Power project brings in helicopters to string high wires
FOUNTAIN CITY, Wis. (AP) - Workers are using helicopters to string nearly 50 miles of power lines in Wisconsin as part of a $2.2 billion project.
Utility companies say the CapX2020 project would update the power grid and connect eastern cities with wind energy resources. The approved $550 million Wisconsin portion would deliver power from Hampton, Minnesota, to a planned substation in Holmen.
Regulators in Wisconsin are considering whether to approve another transmission line that would link the project with Dane County, costing up to $580 million.
Charles Jones, Xcel Energy's project safety manager, told the La Crosse Tribune (http://bit.ly/1AB80vH ) that helicopters are the most efficient way to string transmission lines that hang high above the ground. He said it's easier than using cranes.
About 3 miles have been strung so far. The helicopters are also being used to attach 1,600 yellow plastic spirals so birds don't collide with the wires.
One worker sat on a platform about 140 feet above ground Thursday morning, with temperatures around 12 degrees. In extreme cold, workers can only go for about 30 minutes at a time.
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Information from: La Crosse Tribune, http://www.lacrossetribune.com