Eversource Beginning Helicopter Inspections of Transmission Lines in Oxford

Eversource is conducting aerial inspections of its high-voltage electric equipment and lines in Connecticut, the company announced in a news release.

"This annual inspection is an important part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable energy to customers," Eversource officials said in a statement.

The work involves the use of a helicopter flying low over transmission lines to detect any potential equipment issues before system reliability is impacted.

“The helicopter inspections of our transmission lines are a crucial and effective part of our commitment to reducing the frequency and duration of power outages,” said Steve Gilkey, Vice President of Electric Field Operations at Eversource in Connecticut, in a statement. “Over a million customers in Connecticut depend on us for their electric service and that’s why we’re always working proactively to keep the system operating safely and reliably.

Weather-permitting, the aerial inspections will continue through December 15th. They will take place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., covering the following Connecticut cities and towns including: Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, and Oxford.

The region’s transmission system is the backbone of the electric grid. Overhead inspections of transmission lines and equipment – often located upwards of 100 feet in the air – help transmission planners detect potential problems in advance, allowing the company to schedule necessary maintenance before reliability issues arise.

DESCRIPTION OF AIRCRAFT: Blue & silver helicopter, tail # N1431W, and blue & white helicopter, tail # N411DD

Photo credit: Eversource. This is a file photo of an Eversource helicopter