Advanced Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is now in use across FirstEnergy Corp.'s service area to manage vegetation along 7,100 miles of high-voltage power lines. The deployment began this month and will continue through the fall.
LiDAR inspections utilize helicopters equipped with laser-based sensors to scan the landscape. These sensors emit laser pulses that bounce back to create a detailed 3D map of the terrain, power lines, and nearby vegetation. This approach allows for proactive identification of trees encroaching on power lines, data traditionally difficult or dangerous to gather via foot patrols.
Ted Allan, Director of Vegetation Management at FirstEnergy, stated: “Maintaining vegetation clearances is critical to providing safe, reliable electricity to the more than six million customers we serve from northwest Ohio to the Jersey Shore. LiDAR helps us improve accuracy, reduce field risks and prioritize work more efficiently.”
FirstEnergy first tested LiDAR in 2016 and has since used it for over 100,000 miles of transmission line inspections. The technology has cut manual patrols and surveillance flights by up to 50% while enhancing collaboration across departments such as engineering and maintenance.
The ongoing inspections will lead to necessary vegetation work on transmission line corridors in several states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. Helicopters with aerial saws will also be employed for tree trimming in hard-to-reach areas. This initiative aims to maintain power reliability by minimizing tree-related outages.
This project supports Energize365, a grid evolution program with planned investments of $28 billion from 2025 to 2029. The program focuses on building a smarter grid capable of meeting future demands like electric vehicles and clean energy sources.
FirstEnergy serves over six million customers across multiple states with one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the nation. Its transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of lines connecting Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
For further information: News Media Contact: Lauren Siburkis at (330) 203-8850; Investor Contact: Karen Sagot at (330) 761-4286.