Chelan PUD to begin annual transmission line inspections by helicopter

Chelan County Public Utility District plans to begin its annual helicopter inspections of high-voltage transmission lines next week, contingent on weather conditions. The helicopter will cover around 300 miles of transmission infrastructure, including routes from Cashmere to Malaga and north to the Chelan-Manson area. A grey and white Long Ranger helicopter, identified by tail number 902EH, will perform these inspections, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the power delivery system. Following this initial round, inspections will resume in a few weeks on lines extending from Cashmere to Stevens Pass, once snow has melted. Residents in the area may notice the helicopter flying low and slowly as crews conduct visual inspections.

These routine maintenance efforts are essential for ensuring reliable electricity service. The utility emphasizes the importance of these inspections for public safety and infrastructure reliability. Chelan PUD regularly conducts these inspections to prevent potential outages and maintain system performance.