Electric company conducting aerial inspection or local power lines

Cedar Rapids, IA- The Cedar Rapids-based electric utility ITC Midwest has announced they will be conducting inspections of area power lines via low-flying helicopter.

The company advises residents to not be alarmed if they see such helicopters in the area.

According to a news release, the company will be conducting patrols of high-voltage transmission structures and lines throughout its service territory from approximately September 27 – October 8.

Included in their inspection are lines in the area of Burlington, Fort Madison, and Keokuk.

Iowa counties in the patrol area include Des Moines, Jefferson, Johnson, Wapello, and Lee Counties.

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 a normal procedure, so there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines during the time frame listed above.