EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – The Angora Lakes area is now utilizing a stronger electric system for more reliable service after Liberty Utilities’ multi-year Angora Wildfire Mitigation project.

The project involved replacing nearly two miles of aging equipment, including poles and power lines, and rerouting lines away from structures and sensitive wetland areas. Liberty says it was no easy task in the rugged, difficult-to-access mountain terrain.

“This was a very challenging project both because of the work associated with the years of permitting and planning and the challenge of so much of the job being helicopter access,” Frank Papandrea, environmental specialist at Liberty Utilities in Lake Tahoe, said.

Of the 65 new poles installed, three-quarters of those had to be installed using helicopters.

“Since the rebuild, we just feel much more reassured that the power is going to stay on and be on for our busy season in the summer and then also for our winter season,” Judith Hildinger, manager of the Angora Lakes Resort, said.

The upgraded equipment, which includes a covered conductor, protects against vegetation contact, weather, and other conditions that can contribute to power outages or potential wildfire ignition.

The project was completed around the 20th anniversary of the Angora Fire, “which was a big deal here,” Hildinger said. “So, knowing that the power lines are taller and more insulated, we’re very much reassured in case of high winds and our potential high fire danger.”

In addition to the power infrastructure upgrades, the Liberty also worked with the U.S. Forest Service and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to improve forest health and reduce potential fuels near the newly installed equipment.

Crews removed over 300 tons of biomass from the utility right-of-way, including hazardous trees and pruned vegetation, with helicopter support.