Helicopters to inspect power lines

September 5, 2024

ITC Holdings Corporation will inspect high-voltage transmission structures, lines and equipment by helicopter throughout the state from approximately Sept. 9 to Oct. 4, weather permitting, states a press release from ITC. The helicopters will fly lower than usual near the transmission lines during the inspections.

“The helicopter patrols are conducted to provide an overall status of the overhead transmission system that is operated by ITC’s Michigan operating entities, ITC Transmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC. The aerial inspections will cover nearly all of the Lower Peninsula, including all or part of the following counties.

In Mason County, the helicopter inspections are slated for Sept. 9-17. In Oceana County, the helicopter inspections are slated for Sept. 13-17.

“These patrols are a North American Electrical Reliability Corporation requirement for ITC’s vegetation management program, support proactive maintenance objectives, and are in line with the company’s model for operational excellence. They include inspections of all transmission structures and equipment including, but not limited to, monopoles, steel towers, wood poles, conductors (wires), insulators and other equipment. Crews check for damaged or worn equipment and vegetation hazards. The inspection flights are often conducted at low altitudes to allow accurate visual inspection of equipment for lightning damage, wear or other potential problems. This is normal procedure, so there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines,” states the press release.

“ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company based in Novi, Michigan, owns and operates two subsidiaries in the state: ITC Transmission and METC — collectively, ITC Michigan. The two systems comprise approximately 8,700 circuit miles of transmission line serving most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

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