With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the storm restoration industry is evolving rapidly. Power line contractors need the latest tools to restore power faster, safer, and more efficiently. From high-voltage drones to battery-powered hydraulic tools, new technology is transforming how restoration crews work in 2025.

Here are eight must-have tools that every power line contractor should consider for storm response and power restoration efforts.

1. High-Voltage Insulated Drones for Live-Line Work

Drones have been used for years to assess damage after storms, but new advancements are allowing drones to perform live-line maintenance without requiring outages. Insulated drones can now:

• Replace damaged spacers and insulators on energized lines.

• Inspect and repair lines remotely, reducing the need for bucket trucks.

• Improve safety by keeping workers off high-risk infrastructure in dangerous conditions.

Top Brands:

• Hydro-Québec LineDrone – Designed specifically for high-voltage line maintenance.

• American Aerospace Aeolian Drone – Insulated UAV for energized line inspections and repairs.

2. Battery-Powered Hydraulic Crimping & Cutting Tools

Traditional hydraulic tools require pumps or gas-powered generators, which can slow down field operations. The latest battery-powered hydraulic tools provide:

• Faster, one-handed operation, reducing worker fatigue.

• Increased mobility, allowing crews to work in remote locations.

• No need for external power sources, making them ideal for storm response.

Top Brands:

• Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC Crimper – Provides consistent crimps with a lightweight, cordless design.

• Greenlee ESG65L Battery-Powered Cutter – Compact, one-handed operation for cutting high-voltage cables.

3. Automated Line Stringing Systems

Downed power lines are a major challenge in storm restoration. Automated line stringing systems improve efficiency by:

• Deploying conductors with remote-controlled operations.

• Reducing manual labor and safety risks.

• Working effectively in challenging terrain.

Top Brands:

• TSE International Bullwheel Tensioners – Advanced conductor stringing solutions.

• Condux Tesmec Hydraulic Pullers – High-efficiency automated pulling systems.

4. Grid-Sensing Fault Detection Devices

Finding faults quickly is critical for reducing downtime. The latest fault detection technology:

• Pinpoints outages instantly, helping dispatch crews faster.

• Integrates with drones and augmented reality (AR) systems.

• Improves decision-making by providing real-time grid analytics.

Top Brands:

• Sentient Energy Grid Analytics System – AI-powered fault detection for transmission and distribution networks.

• Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Fault Indicators – Real-time monitoring for rapid outage location.

5. Robotic Insulated Line Cutters

Damaged and fallen power lines can be hazardous, especially in post-storm conditions. New robotic insulated line cutters:

• Allow remote operation, reducing the risk of electrical contact injuries.

• Cut energized and de-energized lines safely.

• Minimize arc flash risks by automating cutting processes.

Top Brands:

• Greenlee ESG105LXR Remote Line Cutter – Battery-powered and remotely operated for high-voltage applications.

• Huskie Tools SL-B65 – Offers insulated hydraulic cutting for utility crews.

6. Portable High-Capacity Floodlight Towers

Crews often work in dark, storm-ravaged environments where lighting is essential. Modern floodlight towers:

• Provide high-output LED illumination for long durations.

• Use solar and hybrid power options to reduce fuel dependency.

• Are quick to deploy and built for rugged conditions.

Top Brands:

• Generac PLT240 LINKTower – Portable, linkable LED tower lights.

• Larson Electronics WAL-STCH-2XWP50E – Battery-powered, waterproof LED floodlights.

7. Advanced Climbing & Rescue Gear

Storm restoration often requires working on compromised poles and towers. The latest climbing and rescue gear includes:

• Self-rescue harnesses with integrated descenders for emergency evacuation.

• Magnetized pole climbers for faster ascents on steel structures.

• Bluetooth-enabled communication headsets for hands-free coordination.

Top Brands:

• Buckingham BuckEscape Rescue Kit – A compact, self-rescue harness with an integrated descender.

• Climb Right Magnetic Pole Climbers – Allow for faster, more stable ascents on steel structures.

8. Remote-Controlled Tree Removal Equipment

Fallen trees are a major cause of outages, and safely removing them is crucial. The latest remote-controlled tree removal equipment:

• Eliminates manual chainsaw work in hazardous conditions.

• Allows crews to remove trees near power lines remotely.

• Works in areas with downed power lines without direct contact.

Top Brands:

• Jarraff All-Terrain Tree Trimmer – A self-propelled, remote-controlled tree trimming machine.

• Enercon Remote-Controlled Tree Shear – Cuts and removes large trees without manual saws.

Partnering for Effective Storm Response

Storm restoration requires expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a scalable workforce. Utilities and large contractors need reliable partners to mobilize skilled power line technicians and certified utility arborists when major storms hit.

Key Benefits of Partnering with an Experienced Contractor like Polecat PLC:

1. Skilled Power Line Technicians – Red Seal-certified Power Line Technicians and Master Electricians ensure high-voltage restoration is done safely and efficiently.

2. Certified Utility Arborists – Storm damage isn’t just about power lines—fallen trees and hazardous vegetation must be cleared efficiently to restore power faster.

3. Cross-Border Storm Response – Many contractors deploy crews across Canada and the U.S., ensuring rapid response to major events.

4. Scalability for Large-Scale Events – Quick mobilization of small crews or entire storm response teams, depending on the severity of the outage.

5. Strict Safety & Compliance Standards – Following industry safety regulations, using the latest protective gear, and ensuring compliance with local electrical codes.

The storm restoration industry is changing rapidly, with new tools, automation, and safety innovations making power restoration faster and safer. Power line contractors that embrace high-voltage drones, robotic cutters, battery-powered tools, and automated line stringing systems will be better equipped to handle extreme weather events.

For utilities and major contractors, partnering with experienced power line technicians and certified utility arborists is key to ensuring a rapid and effective response when disasters strike.