Xcel Energy To Use Helicopters To Upgrade Mpls. Power Lines

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Twin Cities residents may notice more helicopters in the sky this December.

Xcel Energy is upgrading its transmission lines to improve electric services and it is using helicopters to get the job done.

The upgrades will help provide more reliable electricity to customers. This includes adding a network shield wire that will help operators identify problems quicker, including locations of outages.

The upgrades will take place through December 19, weather permitting.

Xcel Energy said helicopters are being used because they are more efficient and safe.