Xcel to inspect transmission lines by helicopter
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Don't be alarmed if you see a helicopter hovering near transmission lines in Minnesota or the eastern Dakotas.
Xcel Energy will begin inspecting its electric transmission lines by helicopter starting Monday. The inspections continue for the next three to six weeks.
Xcel says the patrols will occur during daylight hours, and the helicopter will fly within 50 feet of the lines or hover near a transmission structure if something needs a closer look.
Xcel says the helicopter flights allow crews to look for defects or loose fittings. Crews will identify trouble spots to be repaired later.
The information will help Xcel reduce the number of equipment-related outages on its transmission lines.
Xcel maintains more than 6,000 miles of transmission lines in Minnesota and neighboring states.
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