Aerial Saw Operations for Tree Trimming Start in Pennsylvania's Challenging Corridors

In a pioneering effort to ensure the reliability of electrical services, the Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission Company (MAIT), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has embarked on aerial saw operations for tree trimming across Northern and Central Pennsylvania. Utilizing a specialized helicopter equipped with an advanced aerial saw, the company aims to clear trees along over 400 miles of high-voltage power lines, significantly improving service in the region.

The initiative commenced recently and is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. The locations targeted for trimming stretch across 16 counties, which include Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Elk, Huntingdon, McKean, Mifflin, Potter, Somerset, Tioga, Warren, Westmoreland, and Wyoming counties. These areas are characterized by challenging terrain, which complicates access for ground crews.

The significance of maintaining a clear zone around electrical infrastructure cannot be overstated, especially given the threat of tree-related power outages during severe weather conditions typical of both summer and winter months. By managing vegetation effectively, the operations will not only help prevent outages but will also facilitate quicker inspection and repairs, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the electrical supply.

John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy in Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of this work. He stated, "Keeping our high-voltage power lines clear of potential interference from trees is an important part of maintaining system reliability. The aerial saw is a specialized tool that allows us to cover hundreds of transmission miles every year in a safe, efficient manner." This innovative approach permits coverage of vast areas while minimizing the risks associated with traditional tree-trimming methods that typically involve bucket trucks or manual climbing.

The aerial saw, which is suspended from a boom beneath the helicopter and features multiple 24-inch rotary blades, is designed to cut tree limbs between 8 to 10 inches in diameter. When the saw operates, limbs fall directly to the ground, assisted by the airflow generated from the helicopter's rotors. Ground crews are then tasked with the removal of these fallen limbs, ensuring roads, yards, fields, and streams remain clear. To maintain safety, personnel are also deployed to manage traffic when the helicopter is in operation nearby.

The helicopter, which may operate above and alongside transmission lines, ensures optimal coverage by circling back as needed. Pilots coordinate closely with local airports to ensure that their operations do not interfere with air traffic, allowing for a safe trimming process.

Underpinning this effort is FirstEnergy’s $51 million vegetation management program, which is set to trim trees along more than 4,100 miles of power lines throughout the Penelec service area in 2025. With approximately 597,000 customers across 17,600 square miles in Northern and Central Pennsylvania, the importance of reliable electricity is paramount.

Overall, the integration of aerial saw technology highlights FirstEnergy's commitment to operational excellence, safety, and reliability. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate around 24,000 miles of power lines across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, illustrating the extensive nature of their infrastructure. For additional visuals or insights into these aerial saw operations, viewers can access footage through FirstEnergy's YouTube Channel.

Topics Consumer Technology)

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