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Public Safety

Regulators Warn SDG&E On Helicopter Safety

The first 142-foot Sunrise Powerlink transmission tower was completed March 9, near McCain Valley Road in Boulevard, just north of Interstate 8.
SDG&E
The first 142-foot Sunrise Powerlink transmission tower was completed March 9, near McCain Valley Road in Boulevard, just north of Interstate 8.

California regulators have warned San Diego Gas & Electric to meet helicopter safety regulations or they'll shut down work on a 117-mile power transmission line.

The Public Utilities Commission has set a Wednesday evening deadline for the utility to comply with safety orders for helicopters building the Sunrise Powerlink through eastern San Diego County.

Concerns were raised last month when a load of wood tumbled from a helicopter. The $2 billion project has been marred by repeated safety incidents. Last fall, the state grounded SDG&E choppers for six days while new safety and training measures were put in place.

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Utility spokeswoman Jennifer Ramp says the company's priority is the safety of its workers, the public and the environment. She says the company is working to satisfy the PUC's concerns.

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