If you see low flying helicopters in your communities this fall, there is no cause for alarm. The ITC will be conducting aerial patrols of high-voltage transmission structures and lines starting Sept. 9. If weather goes well, they should wrap up their work in early October around Southeast Michigan.
Crews will be checking for damaged or worn equipment and vegetation hazards. The helicopters fly low to allow accurate visual inspection of equipment for lightning damage, wear or other potential problems.
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Michigan’s inspection schedule is as follows:
- Sept. 9-12: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Midland, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford counties.
- Sept. 13-17: Allegan, Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Ottawa counties.
- Sept. 18-20: Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Monroe, Ottawa, Shiawassee, St. Joseph, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties.
- Sept. 23-30: Bay, Genesee, Gratiot, Huron, Ingham, Isabella, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Midland, Montcalm, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair and Tuscola counties.
- Oct. 1-4: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
ITC has about 8,700 circuit miles of transmission lines serving most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.