News Releases

Xcel Energy to inspect transmission lines by helicopter

MINNEAPOLIS - Beginning Monday (Oct. 2) and continuing for three to four weeks, Xcel Energy will conduct a visual inspection of its electric transmission lines in Minnesota by helicopter.

Xcel Energy's transmission lines stretch across southern Minnesota from the Wisconsin border to the South Dakota border, crisscross the central portion of the state from the Twin Cities to the St. Cloud area, and span an area from the Twin Cities north to the Canadian border.

The helicopter flights enable crews to look for defects or loose fittings. Trouble spots that could cause power outages will be identified and later repaired.

The patrols will occur during daylight hours, and the helicopter will fly within 50 feet of the lines or hover near a transmission structure if something needs a closer look. Typically, the flights are conducted at speeds of 50 to 60 miles per hour.

Data collected will help Xcel Energy reduce the number of equipment-related outages on its transmission lines. Xcel Energy maintains more than 6,000 miles of transmission lines in Minnesota and neighboring states.

The helicopter flight schedule is dependent upon weather and other factors, but tentatively the schedule is to begin in northern Minnesota. Lines in southeastern Minnesota near Zumbrota, Zumbro Falls and Dodge Center will be patrolled next, followed by lines in the Mankato area. The patrol then will move to the Montevideo area and southwestern Minnesota, and then to the St. Cloud area. Lines in the Twin Cities metropolitan area might be patrolled at any time during the four-week period.