Low-flying helicopters to inspect Michigan power lines
ITC will conduct aerial patrols across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula in September and October to ensure grid safety and reliability.
Image for illustrative purposes
USA, Michigan: Helicopters will fly at low altitudes over most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula in the coming weeks as part of a planned inspection of high-voltage transmission lines.
ITC, the company operating the network, announced that the patrols form part of its vegetation management programme, required under the rules of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The flights allow crews to spot damaged or worn equipment and identify vegetation hazards that could threaten the power grid.
The inspections will cover transmission structures including monopoles, steel towers, wood poles, conductors, and insulators, with special attention to signs of lightning damage, wear, or other risks.
The patrols will be carried out in stages. From 18–23 September, helicopters will operate in Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Eaton, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. From 24–29 September, flights will continue over Bay, Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, and Wayne counties. Finally, between 30 September and 3 October, patrols will take place in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
ITC noted that while the flights may cause brief noise disturbances, the inspections are essential to ensuring safe, reliable electricity supply for Michigan’s residents and businesses.
Source: Sturgis Journal
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