The work began in late May and is expected to conclude by September.
This novel and highly efficient method of tree trimming helps
'Our high-voltage transmission lines are vital to our system, and proactive trimming near this important electrical equipment will help to reduce service interruptions and keep power flowing to our customers,' said
The helicopters trimming trees along the transmission lines are MD 500s owned and operated by Aerial Solutions. Work will be conducted only as weather conditions permit. The aerial saws will trim trees along 445 miles of high-voltage transmission lines in
Suspended on an adjustable 90-foot boom beneath a helicopter and equipped with multiple 24-inch rotary blades, the aerial saw is typically deployed along transmission lines in areas that are environmentally sensitive or inaccessible to bucket trucks and other vehicles. This fast, safe and efficient method of trimming typically covers more area in a day than a ground crew might complete in a week. The saw also eliminates the risk of injury to workers using bucket trucks or climbing trees to cut limbs near high voltage equipment.
The saw cleanly cuts tree limbs 8 to 10 inches in diameter, which fall straight to the ground propelled by air blasts from the helicopter rotors. Ground crews move limbs that have fallen onto roadways, yards, agricultural fields or in streams into adjacent wooded areas. The ground crew will also flag and stop motorists along roads if the saw is working nearby.
The helicopter flies above and alongside transmission lines and may circle around to perform additional trimming. The pilot communicates with local airport personnel whenever the helicopter is operating within their air space.
Trimming trees around power lines is critical to providing reliable electric service for
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