- Tampa Electric is inspecting its transmission lines
- Don’t be alarmed by low-flying helicopters
- Inspections help the company provide the highest level of reliability
Tampa Electric is inspecting its network of transmission lines next week. Residents should be aware they could see low-flying helicopters near power lines in their neighborhood.
The aerial survey is part of the company’s ongoing maintenance of high-voltage power lines and transmission equipment, to provide customers with the highest level of reliability.
What to expect during the inspections
Beginning Monday, a low-flying helicopter will fly between 20 and 300 feet above the lines and poles while workers inspect equipment using infrared technology or traditional cameras. The evaluation is looking for areas that may proactively need repair.
Work will begin Monday and will continue on weekdays for about one week during daylight hours. The survey will be complete by Aug. 24, weather permitting. Tampa Electric has hired OneSpan Powerline Services, of Birmingham, Ala., to conduct the inspections.
Where will this occur
Crews will survey Tampa Electric’s entire 1,300-mile system of high-voltage transmission lines. The inspections will be along Tampa Electric’s urban and rural rights of way. Some inspections will take place within view of area roads and neighborhoods. Local law enforcement officials will be notified.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 870,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc. (NYSE: EMA)