ITC conducting fall aerial patrols of transmission lines

CEDAR RAPIDS ? ITC will be conducting its semiannual aerial patrols of high-voltage transmission structures and lines throughout its service territory from approximately Sept. 18 through Oct. 1, weather permitting.

Helicopter patrols provide an overall status of the overhead transmission system owned and operated by ITC?s Iowa-based operating entity, ITC Midwest LLC. The aerial inspections in the company?s southeast region will cover an area in Iowa ranging approximately from the Mississippi River in Keokuk and Burlington to the Ottumwa and Cedar Rapids areas.

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. They include inspections of steel structures, 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.