Lines in the Sky: The Overhead Risk You’re Overlooking

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What if the next big thing in utility safety isn’t underground—but overhead?

Mike Sullivan sits down with Nathan Coutu from ATCO Electric to spotlight the groundbreaking "Lookup and Live" application, a collaborative initiative aimed at reducing overhead power line contacts.

Nathan shares how this Alberta-wide, GIS-based mobile and web app helps users visualize and safely navigate around energized overhead lines—especially crucial for agricultural, construction, and utility workers.

Drawing inspiration from similar successes in Australia and Saskatchewan, he reveals the collaborative journey of Alberta utilities working together for public safety, the staggering contact statistics that prompted action, and the powerful simplicity of a solution that could save lives.

If you’ve ever thought "I knew the power line was there—I just didn’t see it this time," this episode could be a game-changer.

Listen For:

3:48 The Birth of “Lookup and Live” in Alberta

5:16 From “Where’s the Line” to a Province-Wide Collaboration

7:22 The Overhead Threat You Keep Ignoring

16:51 50% Fewer Incidents: What Australia Taught Us

24:52 The Push for Simplicity and Adoption

27:20 Breaking Through Data Sharing Barriers

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