DES MOINES — To help ensure safe and reliable electric service for its customers, MidAmerican Energy will inspect more than 1,400 miles of transmission lines from a helicopter throughout much of September.
Twice a year, MidAmerican inspects these high-voltage overhead lines and rights-of-way to verify the lines and components do not show signs of damage, and to identify areas where vegetation may threaten system reliability.
“We’re conducting these inspections across our service area in September. If you see a helicopter flying unusually close to our transmission lines over the next several weeks, it’s part of our aerial safety inspection program,” Jason Ewers, MidAmerican director of electric operations support, said. “These inspections help us identify potential equipment or safety issues before they cause service interruptions to our customers.”
MidAmerican STAR initiative
In addition to biannual aerial inspections, MidAmerican routinely visually inspects, maintains and improves system infrastructure as part of the company’s Safety Through Asset Reliability initiative. Through STAR, the company proactively potential projects to address safety and reliability.
About MidAmerican Energy
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 795,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 774,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available at midamericanenergy.com and company social media channels.