Helicopters inspecting power lines to begin next week.

Helicopters inspecting power lines to begin next week.

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OCEANA COUNTY — ITC will inspect its high-voltage transmission structures, lines and equipment throughout the state by helicopter from approximately May 16 through June 3, weather permitting.

“The helicopters will be flying lower than usual near the transmission lines during these inspections, which is no cause for concern for area residents,” states Integrated Communications Specialist Grace Turner.

“The helicopter patrols are conducted to provide an overall status of the overhead transmission system that is operated by ITC’s Michigan operating entities, ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC),” states a press release.

“The aerial inspections will cover nearly all the Lower Peninsula.”

Oceana County is included in an area that will be inspected May 17–27. The area includes Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties.

“These patrols are a North American Electrical Reliability Corporation requirement for ITC’s vegetation management program; to 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.”

For more information about ITC, visit www.itc-holdings.com.

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