Monday, October 03, 2011

San Diego Gas & Electric Company may resume helicopter operations on Sunrise Powerlink

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. may resume its helicopter operations on the 119-mile Sunrise Powerlink project, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.

The commission shut down the utility's air operations last month, citing eight separate safety incidents, including six dropped loads and two instances in which the rotors struck objects on the ground.

Consultants for the commission reviewed the helicopter operations and attended training sessions, officials said.

"Based on the SDG&E submittals and actions in response to the CPUC required remedial actions, the CPUC has determined that SDG&E can resume operation on the Sunrise Project upon receipt of this letter," wrote Arocles Aguilar, a lawyer for the commission, in a letter dated Oct. 4 to SDG&E.

Construction on the Sunrise Powerlink began in December, a $1.9 billion electrical line between Imperial and San Diego counties.