SRP Used Helicopters for Power Line Maintenance
Arizona utility linemen began performing repairs on energized lines from air chairs suspended by helicopters in 2024.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should local utility companies invest in aerial technologies to reduce power outages in your area?
In 2024, the Salt River Project (SRP) launched an aerial maintenance program using specialized air chairs suspended from helicopters to repair power lines. This method allows linemen to conduct maintenance on energized lines in remote regions across Arizona.
Why it matters
The program helps SRP maintain continuous power service to customers by reaching remote infrastructure that is difficult to access by ground vehicles. By working on energized lines from the air, the utility significantly reduces repair times and potential outages.
SRP utilizes 32 journeyman linemen trained for aerial access across its transmission groups. Within the dedicated maintenance organization, 12 of these linemen are qualified to perform work from the specialized air chairs.
The players
Salt River Project
Salt River Project is an Arizona-based utility company headquartered in Mesa that provides electricity and water services.
The details
Linemen work while suspended in air chairs as helicopters hover above the power lines, using specialized boots with heel hooks to maintain stability. The crew members must carefully manage their body weight while performing technical repairs on the live electrical equipment.
Timeline
The aerial access maintenance program was officially launched in 2024.
Market Landscape
As the only utility in Arizona utilizing this aerial technology, SRP differentiates its infrastructure maintenance strategy from competitors. This move positions the firm to maintain consistent operational efficiency in rugged terrain where traditional vehicle access is limited.
Customers in remote areas of Northern Arizona benefit from this program through decreased repair durations and fewer power outages. These maintenance efficiencies help ensure a more stable power supply across the utility's service territory.
The takeaway
Using aerial access allows utility companies to bypass difficult terrain that would otherwise delay emergency and routine repairs. This innovation highlights how specialized technical training can solve logistical challenges in large-scale utility operations.
Further reading
For more information on grid infrastructure and maintenance developments, visit the Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZfamily.
Live Poll
Should local utility companies invest in aerial technologies to reduce power outages in your area?
