Low-flying helicopters conduct infrared inspection of Valley power lines

Residents in Ohio Edison and Penn Power service areas of Ohio and Pennsylvania may notice low-flying helicopters in their communities in the coming weeks. FirstEnergy Corp. announced Wednesday that it is conducting aerial inspections of nearly 5,000 miles of high-voltage power lines across its six-state service territory, including portions of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The inspections use infrared and ultraviolet (IR/UV) technology to detect early-stage equipment issues that are often invisible. According to the Akron-based utility, these patrols are an important part of their efforts to ensure reliable power delivery throughout the summer months.

"The transmission system is a primary element in preventing power outages," said Mark Mroczynski, President of FirstEnergy Transmission, in a statement. "This work supports the investments we’re making to strengthen our power system to meet the country’s energy needs."

The IR/UV inspections are conducted at speeds between 25 and 35 mph, with a specialized camera mounted on the helicopter. Onboard technicians use technology to identify overheated components or voltage irregularities. Infrared technology detects heat signatures, with brighter colors indicating potential problems like loose connections, corrosion, or load imbalances. Ultraviolet technology pinpoints electrical discharges caused by issues such as rusted hardware or cracked insulators.

FirstEnergy noted that these inspections complement their annual visual patrols, which identify more apparent issues like overgrown trees or damaged equipment. The combination of both inspection methods provides a detailed assessment of the power lines' condition.

According to the company, approximately 1,046 miles of power lines in Ohio are being inspected, with nearly 64% of that work completed. In Pennsylvania, the inspections cover 2,220 miles of lines, with about 50% finished.

FirstEnergy stated that any problems identified during these aerial inspections will be addressed to prevent future service disruptions and repairs. The company’s six-state service area also includes New Jersey, West Virginia, and Maryland.

This inspection program is part of Energize365, FirstEnergy’s multi-year initiative focused on upgrading its transmission and distribution infrastructure. The company plans to invest $28 billion between 2025 and 2029 to create a more secure power grid.

FirstEnergy serves customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. Its transmission subsidiaries operate a network of approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines.