ITC plans to use helicopters to inspect high-voltage transmission lines and equipment across much of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula through Nov. 13 as part of its ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts.

The flights will be conducted by ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company LLC, according to a community announcement. The company said in the announcement that separate aerial patrols will be used this fall for vegetation monitoring and maintenance inspections.

Crews will evaluate transmission structures, lines and related equipment while also reviewing vegetation conditions near the electric transmission system. The inspections are scheduled to occur weather permitting and will cover dozens of counties throughout the Lower Peninsula over a series of patrol periods.

Flights in the following counties will start today, Sept. 15, instead of the previously planned Sept. 22:

Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Barry, Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Mason

Patrols scheduled across the Lower Peninsula

Sept. 28-Oct. 2 (vegetation), Nov. 2-6 (maintenance): Macomb, Oakland, Livingston, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola, Huron

Oct. 5-9 (vegetation), Nov. 9-13 (maintenance): Jackson, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne

What crews will be looking for

According to the announcement, the patrols support reliability requirements tied to the company’s vegetation management program and proactive maintenance efforts.

During the flights, crews will look for damaged or worn equipment, vegetation hazards and other conditions that could affect transmission operations. The company said in the announcement that helicopters may fly at low altitudes near transmission lines to allow inspectors to identify lightning damage, equipment wear and other potential problems.

ITC said in the announcement that low-flying helicopters operating near transmission corridors during the inspection periods are part of normal operating procedures.

More information is available at itc-holdings.com/itc-michigan.

This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Helicopters to inspect Michigan power lines this fall

Reporting by Janis Reeser, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter

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