It's a Bird, It's a Plane! Nope - Just National Grid

Note: The following was submitted by Malden City Hall. 

National Grid will take to the skies in the coming days, weather permitting, to conduct regularly scheduled annual patrols of key overhead power lines. Inspections will be conducted in Malden on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.

The helicopter patrols help National Grid spot potential problems with equipment structures or lines so that they can be addressed before service interruptions occur. Many of the power lines, which are major supply circuits, traverse remote areas that are difficult to access with vehicles, or on foot.

The aerial view gained from a flyover also enables crews to spot potential problems with trees or tree limbs that may be too close to lines and which can be a major cause of power outages.

Additionally, inspectors conduct visual and infra-red inspections for general infrastructure wear and tear. The infra-red camera detects heat and is helpful in pinpointing areas where equipment wear or loose connections literally create visible “hot spots.”  Once problem areas are identified, crews are dispatched to make any required repairs.

Malden Police and Fire departments have been notified that the patrols will take place.

Please contact National Grid’s toll-free customer service line at 1-800-3223 with questions or concerns.