SCOTT WRIGHT

SCOTTISHPOWER has revealed it is deploying lasers as part of efforts to minimise power cuts caused by trees and branches falling on overhead lines during storms.

The utility giant’s networks arm has developed a 3D aerial mapping database of its entire network in the last two years. That has been achieved by using fixed wing aircraft equipped with 3D laser scanning technology, allowing it to create detailed interactive models of the network and identify the precise locations of individual trees next to its lines. The company said this allows to keep a record of trees, plot their growth and plan maintenance.

Underpinning the modelling, SP Energy Networks has awarded nine contracts worth a total of £36 million to companies in Scotland, Merseyside and North Wales to manage the trees next to its 44,000 kilometre power line. In Scotland, the contractors are K Imrie Treecare and Scottish Woodlands. The three-year contracts will support around 200 jobs, the company said.

SP Energy Networks declared its investment in tree management means it is now seeing up to 25 per cent less fault activity during poor weather than it did a decade ago. Director Guy Jefferson said: “Managing trees next to power lines is one of the most important maintenance programmes we deliver to keep the lights on. It means during severe winter storms we can reduce the number of properties affected by power cuts, and reduce the time to reconnect those who do.

“We will always need people on the ground to carry out the work, but chainsaws on the ground are now also supplemented by lasers in the sky, and our detailed 3D maps allow us to plot every tree next to our power lines.”