Aerial Patrols Commence Across Michigan

News Summary

Starting May 27, low-flying helicopters will be seen over Michigan as ITC conducts aerial inspections of high-voltage transmission lines. The inspections, running until June 30, aim to maintain and ensure the reliability of the electricity service by identifying potential hazards and assessing infrastructure wear. Covering nearly every county in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, these patrols assist in preventive measures against outages and align with industry standards for safety and reliability.

Michigan – Residents across Michigan will notice low-flying helicopters in the skies beginning May 27, as ITC, an independent electricity transmission company based in Novi, conducts aerial patrols of high-voltage transmission lines. These patrols, which are set to run until June 30, aim to survey the condition of transmission structures and lines to ensure reliable electricity service throughout the region.

The aerial inspections will cover nearly every county in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, involving ITC’s operating entities: ITC Transmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC). The inspections will focus on identifying any vegetation hazards and assessing the wear and tear of equipment, ensuring that the transmission infrastructure is in optimal condition.

ITC operates approximately 8,700 circuit miles of transmission lines across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and its inspections play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the electric grid. The aerial patrols are part of ITC’s vegetation management program and are mandated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), an organization that sets standards to ensure the reliability of the North American power system.

During the aerial inspections, crews will fly at low altitudes to allow for close visual monitoring of potential issues affecting transmission lines, including poles, towers, wires, and insulators. The inspections will screen for concerns such as lightning damage, general wear on equipment, and other hazards that could impede electric service.

ITC assures residents that the presence of these low-flying helicopters should not cause alarm. Such aerial patrols are a common industry practice, conducted biannually in both spring and fall to maintain safety and reliability in power transmission.

In addition to the immediate inspections being completed from May 27 to June 30, it is essential for residents to understand the importance of these operations. Regular inspections are vital in preventing outages and ensuring the safety and reliability of the electricity that powers homes and businesses across Michigan.

These efforts align with ITC’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible electricity transmission. The company continuously seeks ways to enhance the monitoring and maintenance of its infrastructure in order to adapt to changing environmental conditions and technology advancements.

As the aerial patrols commence, Michigan residents are encouraged to stay informed about the importance of these inspections and to report any unusual activity surrounding transmission lines. ITC remains dedicated to transparency and communication with the public concerning its operations and the ongoing maintenance of Michigan’s electric transmission infrastructure.

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Additional Resources

• WZZM13
• MLive
• MiTech News
• Monroe News
• MLive
• Wikipedia: Helicopter
• Google Search: aerial inspection of transmission lines
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Helicopter

Author: HERE Novi