Tampa Electric to Begin Aerial Inspection of Utility Lines

Area residents need not be alarmed if they soon see low-flying helicopters hovering around Tampa Electric transmission lines, poles and towers this month.

It's part of an annual two-phase inspection that the company will be conducting of its transmission infrastructure, according to a news release written by spokesman Rick Morera.

For the first phase, beginning March 7, Tampa Electric will conduct an aerial Infrared Patrol inspection of all transmission circuits from power plants to substations throughout its service territory.

The infrared inspections will be performed by a helicopter flying approximately 10 to 20 feet above the transmission structures using a Forward-Looking Infra-Red Camera (FLIR). The helicopter may momentarily hover next to each transmission pole or structure being inspected. The FLIR Patrol inspections, which will identify possible deficiencies with lines and structures, should be completed in about seven days, weather permitting.

The second phase of the inspection process, beginning March 16, will be above-ground visual inspections of approximately 3,000 of company's
transmission structures. This phase will also be performed by a low-flying helicopter that will hover for a short time at each structure. These
inspections are expected to be completed by early April.

The transmission system being inspected is located along Tampa Electric 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 of the inspections.