Xcel to inspect lines by helicopter

Beginning Monday and continuing for up to six weeks, Xcel Energy will conduct a visual inspection of its electric transmission lines by helicopter. The lines stretch across southern Minnesota from the Wisconsin border to the South Dakota border, crisscross the central portion of the state from the Twin Cities to St. Cloud, and span an area from the Twin Cities to the Canadian border.

The flights will enable crews to look for defects or loose fittings. Trouble spots that could cause power outages will be identified and later repaired. The patrols will occur during daylight hours, and the helicopter will fly within 50 feet of the lines and transmission structures.

The schedule depends upon weather and other factors, but flights tentatively will begin in northern Minnesota. Lines in southeastern Minnesota near Zumbrota will be patrolled next.

Tags: local news, xcel energy, transmission lines, news