Eversource Experimenting With Choppers Doing The Chopping

CONNECTICUT — Eversource Energy Wednesday took to the air to demonstrate a pilot program through which trees are trimmed near power lines using a helicopter.

At a spot along a power line right of way on Route 7 in Canaan, a low-flying helicopter flew in which a saw mechanism hanging from its fuselage. It then proceeded to trim branches in the corridor.

The technique is designed to make it easier to conduct "vegetation control" in remote areas that are difficult to reach from the ground. Eversource spokesman Frank Poirot said. Eversource will be studying the effects of the system and could employ it statewide if the utility is satisfied with the results, he added.

Skilled pilots with Eversource contractor Rotor Blade conducted the overhead trimming.

"This innovative technology helps to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes climbing crews to conduct the work manually and reduces the risk of injury to tree crews," Eversource officials said. "Eversource's transmission lines are the super highway of the power grid. When a tree grows too close to or falls onto these critical portions of the electric system, like we saw several weeks ago during Tropical Storm Elsa, it can interrupt service for thousands of customers across multiple communities. The clearance area around transmission lines provides the necessary protection, which is why it’s essential to keep this space free of vegetation to prevent a public safety issue and outages for customers."