BERLIN, Conn. (November 15, 2012) – In addition to providing a path for New England’s electric superhighway, transmission rights-of-way also offer a rich habitat for an abundance of wildlife. White-tail deer and game birds live in these areas, making them prime locations for hunting so Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) is reminding hunters to be cautious before taking aim.
Hikers, anglers and mountain bike riders often enjoy the company’s rights-of –way while utility crews also work in those wooded areas. During peak hunting season CL&P is urging sportsmen and sportswomen to take extra care while hunting near power lines to keep everyone safe.
“With the popularity of hunting on the rise, and space to hunt on the decline, it is especially important for people to be aware of all activities going on around them while outside,” said Bruce J. Bolger, Director of Safety at Northeast Utilities, parent company of CL&P. "We’re happy the public and hunters enjoy our rights-of-way and we want to make sure everyone out there is safe.”
Utility work crews, who wear high-visibility safety clothing and hard hats, are involved in transmission line operation, maintenance, and construction, as well as other activities such as land surveying, in the transmission rights-of-way on a regular basis. The result of their work is important to the reliability of the electric transmission network serving all of New England.