Helicopters To Patrol Power Lines In Several CT Towns

Town of Canton

Folks in several central and western Connecticut towns may notice a helicopter flying along power lines this week, and there is no need to be alarmed.

That's because Eversource Energy has announced that it is using helicopters to patrol transmission rights of way at its power lines.

Patrols start Tuesday, July 8, through Thursday, July 10.

Weather permitting, flights will take place between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Towns impacted include Bloomfield, Canaan, Canton, Farmington, Goshen, Granby, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, New Hartford, New Milford, Newington, Plymouth, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Simsbury, Southington, Suffield, Thomaston, Torrington, Washington, and Woodbury.

"With hurricane and summer storm season underway, Eversource will be using helicopters to conduct routine patrols in electric transmission line rights of way as part of its continuing mission to deliver safe, reliable service to customers," wrote Eversource in a statement.

Across several communities in central and western Connecticut, crews will inspect the condition of the high-voltage transmission system to identify and assess any issues that may threaten electric reliability, according to Eversource.

The company wants to ensure its power lines are properly addressed as part of the company’s comprehensive vegetation management program.

"Eversource works year-round to safeguard the electric grid, and these patrols are a critical part of the energy company’s storm preparedness efforts," wrote the power company, which is based in Berlin.

The type of aircraft that will be visible is a Navy helicopter with a silver stripe, with a tail showing #N1431W as its ID.