In a news release, Xcel Energy announced they would be doing inspection of transmission lines, using helicopters starting April 4, weather permitting. This is to help ensure the electric system remains reliable through the summer heating months. The inspections also meet federal regulatory compliance requirements to ensure a reliable electric system.

Helicopters will fly within 50 feet of transmission lines at high and low speeds. At times the helicopter will hover near infrastructure to perform more detailed inspections. The work is expected to take several weeks in April.

The inspections will identify potential trouble spots for follow up and repair, including inspection of insulators and structural supports extending from the transmission structure. Crews will also look for encroachment issues, such as buildings on or near line right of way or trees growing too close to transmission lines.

Xcel Energy operates more than 7,200 miles of high voltage transmission lines in the Upper Midwest.

Power lines on blue sky.
Tomasz Wyszoamirski
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