July 27, 2016
Providence, RI – In the wake of recent severe weather that brought powerful thunderstorms to New England, National Grid is conducting aerial inspections by helicopter of its subtransmission electric lines in Rhode Island today. Subtransmission lines are a major part of the distribution system that delivers power to customers, and are generally defined as lines carrying electricity at or below 69,000 volts. These lines typically deliver power among substations.
National Grid regularly conducts aerial inspections of transmission and subtransmission lines to identify and address potential problems before they impact electric service for customers. These aerial inspections complement the regularly-conducted, ground-level inspections by quickly and efficiently covering National Grid’s transmission system, even across rugged and isolated terrain.
The helicopter inspections are conducted by experienced trained personnel using high-powered gyroscopic binoculars. They are particularly interested in signs of wear on power line conductors and lightning protection devices; damaged or leaning transmission structures; loose or broken guy wires; broken, chipped or cracked insulator equipment; and trees leaning toward the lines or into the transmission corridors. These inspections will provide an up-close look at any damage caused by the recent severe weather. The helicopter flyovers are taking place throughout Rhode Island through 5:00 pm today.
About National Grid
National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity and natural gas delivery company that connects nearly 7 million customers to vital energy sources through its networks in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain.
Through its U.S. Connect21 strategy, National Grid is transforming its electricity and natural gas networks to support the 21st century digital economy with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions. Connect21 is vital to our communities' long-term economic and environmental health and aligns with regulatory initiatives in New York (REV: Reforming the Energy Vision) and Massachusetts (Grid Modernization).
For more information please visit our website, or our Connecting website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, friend us on Facebook, find our photos on Instagram
