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Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distribution company for the region, is carrying out helicopter patrols across the East Midlands as part of its network inspection work during the months of June and July.

The helicopters will be used to spot potential hazards on the high voltage overhead network and to highlight areas where future work may be needed.

Robin Tutcher, Chief Pilot at Western Power Distribution, said: “Using a helicopter for patrols is the safest, fastest and most effective way to carry out checks on large sections of the network.

“Taking this bird’s eye view enables us to check large areas quickly. We’re able to spot potential hazards early so that our engineers can plan investment and maintenance work more effectively, and do any necessary work before it causes problems for our customers.”

The helicopter patrols will also be on the look-out for trees growing into overhead lines, which can cause problems in stormy weather.

Exact flight times and locations will be based on local weather conditions in order to make the best use of time available. The patrols will cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Mansfield, Coventry, Warwickshire, Northampton and Milton Keynes.

Notes to editors:

• Western Power Distribution brings power to 7.8 million customers across central England through 220,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 269,000 substations;
• Western Power Distribution covers an area from the Peak District in the north to Cornwall in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.