Delivering Vegetation Management Cost Savings & Program Optimization for Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC)

The Bottom Line

ACRT helped Florida Keys Electric Cooperative increase vegetation management cost savings, improve contractor performance, and reinvest savings to accelerate its trim cycle—enhancing reliability in a high-risk, storm-prone environment.

The Challenge

• Rising vegetation management costs following initial trim cycle
• Inefficient pricing structures and inconsistent contractor performance
• Need to improve reliability while controlling budget
• Limited visibility into inspections, safety, and field execution

ACRT’s Approach

• Contract Optimization: Renegotiated vendor pricing and introduced Time & Materials (T&M) where appropriate
• Specification Refinement: Reduced unnecessary work by targeting only high-risk, weight-bearing vegetation capable of impacting lines—eliminating low-risk work and reducing service trims by 25%
• Field Collaboration: Partnered with foresters to improve unit targeting and execution efficiency
• Program Expansion: Added inspection, safety observation, and oversight capabilities
• Strategic Advisory: Helped reposition the program for shorter trim cycles and long-term performance

Quantifiable Results

Immediate Cost Savings

• $800,000 in budget savings after completion of initial trim cycle
• Enabled $500,000 reinvestment to accelerate vegetation management program

Efficiency Gains

• 25% reduction in service trim volume through improved specifications
• Reduced costs in high-density areas through T&M pricing model adjustments
• Lower unit costs for palm trimming and transmission ROW work

Program Growth & Optimization

• Transitioned from a 3-year to 2.5-year trim cycle (with goal of 2-year cycle)
• Expanded program scope to include:
  • Ticket inspections
  • Tree crew safety observations
  • Enhanced vegetation management oversight

Strategic Value Creation

• Improved contractor accountability and performance
• Increased visibility into field operations and safety

What This Means for You

Lower Program Costs

ACRT identifies and eliminates inefficiencies in contracts, specifications, and workflows—delivering immediate, measurable savings.

Smarter Use of Budget

Savings can be reinvested to accelerate trim cycles, improve reliability, and expand program scope without increasing total spend.

Improved Contractor Performance

Better pricing structures and field coordination lead to more consistent, efficient execution.

Enhanced Reliability & Risk Reduction

Shorter trim cycles and targeted work improve system performance, especially in storm-prone environments.

A Strategic Partner, Not Just a Vendor

ACRT delivers both operational support and strategic insight, helping utilities continuously improve their vegetation management programs.

Why ACRT

ACRT combines field expertise, contract strategy, and operational insight to help utilities reduce costs, improve performance, and achieve long-term vegetation management goals.