Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission Company (MAIT), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has initiated an aerial saw tree trimming project to maintain clearances around high-voltage power lines in Pennsylvania. The operation, which began recently, targets over 400 miles of transmission lines in the Penelec service area and is scheduled for completion by year-end.
The aerial saw will operate across multiple counties including Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Elk, Huntingdon, McKean, Mifflin, Potter, Somerset, Tioga, Warren, Westmoreland and Wyoming. This initiative aims to prevent tree-related outages during severe weather conditions by ensuring proper vegetation management around power lines.
John Hawkins of FirstEnergy 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."
The aerial saw consists of multiple 24-inch rotary blades suspended beneath a helicopter. It is particularly useful in areas inaccessible to ground crews or vehicles. The method enables faster coverage compared to traditional ground crew operations and reduces the risk associated with manual trimming near high-voltage equipment.
Ground crews assist by clearing limbs cut by the aerial saw that may fall onto roads or other areas. Safety measures include flagging motorists when the helicopter operates nearby. Coordination with local airport personnel ensures safe navigation within airspace.
Aerial Solutions owns and operates the helicopter and saw used for this task. Operations are contingent on favorable weather conditions.
This project forms part of FirstEnergy's $51 million vegetation management program planned for 2025 across more than 4,100 miles in the Penelec area. Penelec serves approximately 597,000 customers across northern and central Pennsylvania.
FirstEnergy emphasizes integrity and operational excellence as it manages one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States. For more information about FirstEnergy’s operations and initiatives visit their website or social media platforms.