ITC to Carry Out Aerial Inspections of Transmission System in Michigan

ITC will be conducting aerial patrols of high-voltage transmission structures and lines in Michigan between May 22 and June 8, depending on weather conditions. These helicopter patrols are carried out to assess the overall condition of the overhead transmission system operated by ITC’s Michigan entities, ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company (METC).

The aerial inspections will cover almost the entire Lower Peninsula, including the following counties:

May 22 - May 26: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw, and Wayne.

May 29 - June 2: Clinton, Genesee, Gratiot, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ottawa, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, and Tuscola.

June 5 - June 8: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Wexford.

These patrols are mandatory as part of ITC’s vegetation management program, which aligns with the North American Electrical Reliability Corporation (NERC) requirements. The inspections encompass all transmission structures and equipment, such as monopoles, steel towers, wood poles, conductors (wires), insulators, and other related components.

During these patrols, crews examine equipment for any damage or wear, as well as identify vegetation-related hazards. The inspection flights are typically conducted at low altitudes to ensure accurate visual assessment of equipment, checking for potential issues like lightning damage or wear.