Southern California Edison is utilizing contracted helicopters to survey power line equipment from above in efforts to keep the Santa Clarita Valley safe from electrical malfunctions, officials said.

SoCal Edison (SCE) has routine maintenance for their extensive network of power equipment, according to company officials.

“We have reset all of our inspection schedules, and are taking a look at all of the equipment,” said David Song, a spokesperson for SCE. “Most of it is on the ground, but certain things you can’t see.”
SCE has contracted with several different companies to survey lines with helicopters to see the equipment from a different angle.

“Some things, like the tops of transformers, you can’t see on the ground,” Song said. “We have used helicopters in the past for high lines, which are in areas with more difficult terrain, but now we are using them for other lines.”

Residents could expect more helicopters hovering around Santa Clarita neighborhoods as SoCal Edison continues efforts to prevent wildfires.

ATTN SCV: The lowflying helicopter ? is contracted through @SCE and is checking equipment. Our dispatchers do not know how long it will be hovering in areas, but it is nothing to be concerned about.

— SCV Sheriff (@SCVSHERIFF) January 2, 2020

“The goal is to survey the area and take photos to see if anything needs repair,” Song said. “There might be some noise in the area, but this is important work to ensure there are no issues.”
There are also several other programs in place to reduce fire risk.

“Santa Clarita is an area with a large risk of fire danger,” Song explained. “We are doing our best to mitigate any possible fires started by power equipment.”

In most areas, power lines are not insulated, creating a potential ignition point if the lines are downed.
“We are starting to insulate more lines in the area,” Song said. “This could reduce the fire risk, but also prevent some other dangers to the lines themselves.”

Metallic balloons could create an arc between two lines, causing sparks or even an outage. Wildlife is also an issue in more rural areas, according to Song.

Santa Clarita, with most of the valley being a tier one or two fire risk, the highest potential danger, is a part of the service area SoCal Edison is focusing on to lessen the potential for fire.

“We are working hard to make sure our equipment is in proper working order,” Song said. “This is all in efforts to keep our customers and communities safe.”

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