COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) -I TC will be conducting aerial patrols of the high-voltage transmission structures, lines and equipment in Michigan from September 8 through November 13, weather permitting.
The helicopter patrols are conducted to provide an overall status of vegetation management and maintenance needs of the overhead transmission system that is operated by ITC’s Michigan operating entities, ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC).
New this fall, separate patrols will take place for vegetation and maintenance monitoring. The aerial inspections will cover nearly all of the Lower Peninsula, including Branch, Hillsdale, St. Joseph, Calhoun, and Kalamazoo Counties during the weeks of September, 22-28 for vegetation, October, 26-30 for maintenance.
These patrols are a North American Electrical Reliability Corporation (NERC) requirement for ITC’s vegetation management program, support proactive maintenance objectives and are in line with the company’s model for operational excellence.
During these flights, 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.
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