Aerial Saw Tree Trimming Work Begins Along Hard-to-Access Corridors in Northern and Central Pennsylvania

Core Points - Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission Company (MAIT), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is utilizing a helicopter with an aerial saw to trim trees along over 400 miles of high-voltage power lines in Pennsylvania, with completion expected by the end of 2025 [1][2] - The aerial saw is designed to maintain proper clearances around transmission lines, which helps prevent tree-related power outages, especially during severe weather [3][4] - The project is part of FirstEnergy's $51 million vegetation management program, which aims to trim trees along more than 4,100 miles of power lines in the Penelec service area [7] Company Operations - The aerial saw can cut tree limbs 8 to 10 inches in diameter, allowing for efficient trimming that covers more area in a day compared to traditional ground crews [5][4] - The helicopter operates in environmentally sensitive or inaccessible areas, enhancing safety and efficiency in maintaining high-voltage power lines [4][6] - FirstEnergy serves approximately 597,000 customers across 17,600 square miles in northern and central Pennsylvania through its Penelec service [7][8]