Helicopter inspections planned over Chelan County transmission lines

WENATCHEE — Residents across portions of Chelan County may notice a helicopter flying low and slowly over high-voltage power lines this week as Chelan County PUD conducts its annual transmission line inspection program.

The inspections began June 1 and are expected to cover more than 300 miles of transmission lines throughout the county. According to Chelan PUD, the flights are weather-dependent and are part of the utility’s routine maintenance efforts to monitor the condition of critical electrical infrastructure.

On June 1, inspection crews planned to survey transmission lines between Cashmere and Stevens Pass. The following day, crews were scheduled to inspect lines serving Wenatchee, Malaga, Entiat, Chelan and Manson.

Transmission line inspections help utility crews identify potential maintenance needs before they become larger problems. By examining power lines and related equipment from the air, inspectors can spot issues that may be difficult to detect from the ground, helping maintain reliability across the county’s electrical system.

Chelan PUD advised residents that seeing a helicopter operating near transmission corridors during the inspection period is expected and part of normal utility operations.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media