If you have been in the Atlantic City area recently, you may have noticed several helicopters working over the bay areas as you enter the barrier islands. While they may look like an arcade claw prize machine, those sky crane helicopters are actually using an innovative and environmentally conscious way to improve the reliability of your energy service.

“Helicopters are used for work in areas that are not easy to traverse or when setting foot in the area could adversely impact the surrounding nature,” said John Conlow, the project manager. “The helicopters not only bring in the new steel poles, which can withstand winds of up to 120 mph, but also transport crews efficiently and safely.”

Improvements are being made through the marshland along an existing transmission line route between Route 30 and the Atlantic City Expressway. The work includes rebuilding six miles of critical transmission lines using stronger, state-of-the-art steel utility poles. Crews are also installing innovative technologies to improve system reliability, such as specialized equipment that can automatically restore service more quickly or isolate damage.

The helicopter work near Atlantic City is estimated to continue through April. Next time you are in the area, make sure you take the chance to safely look up and check out the great work being done. Reliability enhancement projects like this are critical to fortifying the local energy grid to better serve our communities. Click here to learn more about the transmission line project. For more information on reliability enhancement projects, visit atlanticcityelectric.com/reliability.