Company takes to the skies to inspect overhead power lines

Northern Powergrid has been taking to the sky throughout the year to inspect its overhead power lines ready for winter.
Northern Powergrid helicopter patrolNorthern Powergrid helicopter patrol
Northern Powergrid helicopter patrol

The company has flown some 13,500 kilometres during the year, checking for any potential damage or deterioration and inspecting more than 137,500 of its network assets.

Pete Wilstrop, Network Inspections Manager at Northern Powergrid, said: "Our electricity network delivers power to 3.9 million homes and businesses, and it's vitally important that we detect any potential problems before they occur. Taking to the sky to patrol our power lines means that we can quickly carry out inspections, allowing us to carry out any remedial works and repairs to ensure we continue to provide a safe, secure and reliable power supply to our customers.

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"Our power lines are often located in isolated areas and have to stand up to rain, snow and high winds over the winter months. Using our helicopter to check them from the air is the best and most efficient way to keep our overhead network in good working order.

"Our helicopter flies at low levels at speeds of around 30 kilometres an hour. Whilst there is some engine noise, the crew work hard to keep it to a minimum and reduce any potential disruption to local communities while carrying out these essential checks. Wherever possible, we try to avoid areas where sensitive livestock is grazing."

Northern Powergrid is the electricity distribution business for North East England, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

The company delivers power safely and reliably to eight million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses.

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Northern Powergrid’s network consists of more than 63,000 substations and 60,000 miles of overhead power lines and underground cables, spanning some 9,650 square miles.

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