NOVI, Michigan (May 16, 2016) – ITC will be conducting its semi-annual aerial patrols of high-voltage transmission towers and lines in east-central Michigan from approximately May 23 to June 3, weather permitting. The helicopter patrols are conducted to provide an overall status of the overhead transmission system that is operated by ITC’s Michigan operating entities, ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC).
The aerial inspections in east-central Michigan will cover an area south of U.S. 10 to Lansing and east of U.S. 127 to the Thumb area.
These twice-a-year patrols are a North American Electrical Reliability Corporation (NERC) requirement for ITC’s operations, maintenance and vegetation management functions and are in line with ITC’s model for operational excellence. They include inspections of 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. The flights began in western Michigan on May 2 and will cover nearly all of the Lower Peninsula, concluding in northern Michigan approximately June 10.
ABOUT ITC MICHIGAN
In Michigan, operating entities ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC) serve most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. ITC’s focus on transmission and grid expansion drives operational excellence and delivers superior value for customers, communities and other stakeholders.
About ITCTransmission
International Transmission Company (d/b/a ITCTransmission) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. Based in Novi, Michigan, ITCTransmission owns, operates and maintains approximately 3,000 circuit miles of transmission lines in southeast Michigan.
About Michigan Electric Transmission Company (METC)
Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. Based in Novi, Michigan, METC owns, operates and maintains approximately 5,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Media Contact: Dan Horn (313.567.5008 HORN@FRANCO.COM)