Duquesne Light is responsible for ensuring that 45,000 miles of overhead power lines remain free and clear of vegetation encroachments so we can keep the power flowing to our more than 600,000 customers. Our transmission system involves the interconnecting power lines that move high-voltage electricity from where it is produced to our substations. The management of vegetation on our rights of way (ROW) for these lines and related equipment is highly critical, as any interruption could impact a significant number of customers across large areas of our service territory.
To more efficiently and effectively maintain the edges of our ROW in rural areas and difficult terrain, Duquesne Light is adding use of a helicopter and an aerial saw to our vegetation management toolkit this year.
“Duquesne Light uses a variety of industry-best practices and techniques to manage trees and other vegetation on the ROW in our service territory,” said Jim Barry, Manager, Vegetation Management. “Adding the aerial saw is the latest example of our ongoing efforts to maintain the levels of service and reliability that make our system one of the best in Pennsylvania.”
The aerial saw, suspended beneath the helicopter, will be used for this "ground-to-sky" pruning. The helicopter, operated by Haverfield Aviation, will fly at a safe distance from homes and other buildings. The pilot will be in constant contact with Davey Tree ground crews, who will flag traffic, as needed, and cut branches closer to the ground to promote existing ROW wildlife habitat. Pruned branches that fall onto access roads, maintained yard areas, agricultural fields or into streams during the pruning operations will be diced and moved to the ROW edge by ground workers shortly after the pruning is performed.
Impacted customers have been notified of the planned use of the aerial saw. Work is scheduled to begin in the Raccoon District during the first week of April, weather permitting.
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