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‘This is normal procedure, so there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines.’
OCEANA COUNTY — ITC will conduct aerial patrols of the high-voltage transmission structures and lines throughout Michigan from approximately May 28 to June 26 — weather permitting. Locally, the inspections are planned to take place in Oceana and surrounding counties June 17-20.
“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 (METC),” states a press release.
The aerial inspections will cover nearly all of the Lower Peninsula.
“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.
“ITC Holdings Corp. — the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company based in Novi, Michigan — owns and operates two subsidiaries in the state: ITCTransmission and METC (collectively, ITC Michigan). The two systems comprise approximately 8,700 circuit miles of transmission line serving most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For further information, visit www.itc-holdings.com. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit www.fortisinc.com.”
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