Submitted by Tricia Modifica, Eversource Energy
(January 6, 2026) — As part of its ongoing effort to ensure safe, reliable service for customers, Eversource is using a low-flying helicopter to trim tree limbs from the sides of a power line corridor from Haddam to Middletown. Highly skilled pilots working for the energy company will conduct the overhead trimming using rotating blades and a helicopter. This helps to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes climbing crews to conduct the work manually, lowers the risk of injury to tree crews, and protects the natural habitat of many native plants and wildlife found in the right of way.
Eversource’s transmission lines are the superhighway of the power grid and are critical to deliver clean energy to the region. When a tree grows too close or falls onto these critical portions of the electric system, it can interrupt service for thousands of customers across multiple communities. The clearance area around transmission lines provides the necessary protection, which is why it’s essential to keep this space free of incompatible vegetation to prevent power outages or potential public safety issues.
The tree trimming project will run through January 16, 2026, weather permitting, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in Haddam, East Haddam, East Hampton and Middletown. The helicopter is a Hughes 369D, Red, Silver, Black, with Tail #N7079K.
