Residents across a large swath of central Maryland should not be alarmed if they see a red-and-white helicopter hovering above utility lines this month, according to Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.
The electric company will be using a helicopter contractor for flights low to the ground above utility lines in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Frederick and Prince George's counties through the end of the month, BGE said.
Most of the work will occur on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with "some occasional weekend and late afternoon work required" as well, BGE said.
"The helicopter provides an aerial perspective on equipment and allows BGE to inspect the system more efficiently than using ground inspections alone," the company said. "BGE crews will also continue to inspect power lines and equipment from the ground."
In addition to flight paths along transmission lines, the helicopter — which will also bear the BGE logo on its doors and belly — also may be seen hovering above electric towers, BGE said.
Crew on the helicopter will be taking photographs of towers and equipment, BGE said. The images and additional ground surveys will be used to identify worn and damaged equipment, which then will be scheduled for repair, the company said.
BGE has about 1,300 miles of high-voltage overhead transmission lines in central Maryland.
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