Eversource Helicopter To Patrol Transmission Rights of Way In Mansfield, Coventry, Willi

MANSFIELD, CT — Eversource will be using a helicopter to patrol transmission rights of way in Mansfield, Coventry and Willimantic.

With the peak of Atlantic hurricane season underway, Eversource "continues to monitor and strengthen the electric system year-round, including using helicopters to conduct routine patrols in its electric transmission line rights of way," officials for the utility said. Crews are to inspect the condition of the high-voltage transmission system across several communities in central and eastern Connecticut to "identify and assess any issues that may threaten electric reliability and ensure they're properly addressed as part of the company’s comprehensive vegetation management program."

The helicopter inspections are a "critical part of Eversource's storm preparedness efforts and ongoing mission to deliver safe, reliable service to customers all year, in all types of weather," utility officials said.

Weather permitting, flights will take place on Sept. 15 and 17, between 12:30 and 4 p.m., and Sept. 24 and 25 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Towns involved include Andover, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Glastonbury, Hampton, Hebron, Killingly, Lebanon, Lisbon, Manchester, Mansfield, Plainfield, Pomfret, Preston, Putnam, Somers, South Windsor, Thompson, Vernon, Willimantic and Windsor Locks

The aircraft being used are:

• Blue and white helicopter — tail N411DD
• Navy helicopter with silver stripe — tail N1431W