By Paula Pyzik Scott

The sight of workers being lowered from a helicopter onto an electricity transmission tower near Phillips and Augsburger roads on Friday, December 12, wowed local passersby. Photographer Dawn King shared these photos on the Bluffton Buzz Facebook group and with the Bluffton Icon.

AEP Ohio media relations replied to our inquiry that this "shows an approved contractor working for AEP Transmission conducting routine, planned maintenance of a transmission tower and line outside Bluffton, Ohio. These contractors specialize in aerial work. AEP Transmission regularly performs preventative and scheduled maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of the electric grid locally and beyond.

"While this type of aerial maintenance may look unusual, it is not uncommon. AEP Transmission ensures all employees and contractors are properly trained and observe all applicable safety requirements. The workers use tools and equipment specially designed and approved for this type of aerial and elevated work. Further, the team in the photo partnered closely with our Transmission Operations team to properly de-energize the equipment they were maintaining, ensuring the team’s safety while minimizing disruptions to customers."

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