See the 700-pound aerial saw in action as it dangles from a 100-foot cable attached to a helicopter. Watch video
BETHLEHEM TWP. -- Protecting the backbone of Jersey Central Power and Light and its nearly six million customers, the aerial saws used to trim trees and other vegetation along transmission corridors are praised by the company as efficient and cost-effective.
First Energy has been using aerial tree-trimming since 1988, and JCP&L introduced the time-saving technology to rural parts of the state in 2013.
Now, Aerial Solutions, a North Carolina-based company, covers more than 50 miles in Morris, Mercer, Monmouth, Warren, Sussex and Hunterdon counties for JCP&L as well as thousands of miles for other utilities in 24 different states. JCP&L and Aerial Solutions demonstrated the aerial saw on Mountain View Road in Bethlehem Township on Tuesday.
JCP&L to spend $267 million on grid improvements
How does it work?
Directed by a ground crew below, the pilot hangs his head outside of the aircraft to watch as the saw trims brush and branches.
"This takes enough canopy weight off the line side so that during bad weather the tree doesn't trip," said Aerial Solutions General Manager Ted McAllister.
Originally a task that could take weeks, the crew can clear up to 4 miles in just six hours at half the cost.
JCP&L customers could see big savings
"The aerial saw is the best tool to use in environmentally sensitive areas since it is not necessary to take equipment in to perform the work," said JCP&L spokesman Ron Morano, adding that another key benefit is that the tool can help maintain trees that might otherwise be removed.
The demonstration follows a plan to invest $267 million this year along its service area in New Jersey, which includes parts of 13 counties.
Action items include distribution-circuit upgrades, redesigned circuits, replacement of underground distribution cables and inspection of utility poles and circuits.
Emily Cummins may be reached at ecummins@njadvancemedia.com Follow her on Twitter @EmilyACummins and Facebook.