FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb 13, 2007

Helicopter Work Is Faster, More Economical

More than half-way there

One pilot and two contracted technicians, secured by safety harnesses connected to the helicopter, work together to replace insulators on one of NPPD's 190-foot, 345-kilovolt steel structures.

Columbus, Neb. – As of today, the Nebraska Public Power District is pleased to report its transmission crews and hired contractors have reconstructed nearly 60 percent of NPPD’s transmission system in central Nebraska damaged by the New Year’s ice storm.

Five hundred and sixty of 1,136 wood and steel structures have been repaired, and 806 of more than 1,000 miles of line that were out of service at the height of the storm are now energized.

“Steadily - mile by mile, structure by structure - we are rebuilding our system,” said General Manager of Operations Barry Campbell. “Several of the line segments we have yet to repair were among the most damaged. One line section has 314 structures that need to be rebuilt.”

More than 300 contract workers are on site at various locations preparing equipment, framing structures, and readying the locations for new structure construction.

To expedite some of the work, NPPD uses small helicopters to remove and replace shield wire insulators at the tops of the structures. The effort from the air takes half the time and costs half as much as completing the work with a ground crew.

“Insurance is not available to utilities to repair or replace transmission infrastructure against storm damage,” said Campbell. “Finding cost effective solutions such as this, ultimately reduces the overall costs of the reconstruction effort and is extremely beneficial to getting the lines back in service by summertime.”

Flown by one pilot, the small helicopters carry two technicians who work together to replace the shield wire and insulators. The pilot’s job is to hover close enough to the structure to give access to the technicians, one of whom hands tools and materials to the other. The second technician replaces the equipment. It typically takes approximately five minutes to replace one insulator, so the helicopters do not linger at each structure for long. The work is also weather-dependent, with wind and precipitation often adjusting schedule.

While many transmission line segments cross rough terrain or are out of the public eye, NPPD cautions the public to drive safely and not be distracted if they see the helicopters working near or visible from county roads or highways.

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Weather conditions, including high winds and blowing snow, are prohibiting the helicopters from flying today. NPPD is planning a media day for early March when larger helicopters will used to set large, H-frame wooden structures and construct the 190-foot steel towers on it highest voltage power lines. Opportunities for photos and video will be made available.

Always there when you need us, NPPD's mission is to safely generate and deliver low-cost reliable energy and provide outstanding customer service. Working in partnership with the state's rural public power districts, cooperatives and municipalities, NPPD helps serve an estimated 1 million Nebraskans with retail or wholesale electric power and energy-related products and services.