Central Maine Power Conducts Aerial Inspections of Transmission Lines

Warns against unauthorized access to rights-of-ways

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

AUGUSTA, Maine, August 18, 2016 � Central Maine Power Co., a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc. (NYSE: AGR), has completed summer inspections of its transmission lines. The annual inspection flights are an important part of the utility�s efforts to ensure safe, reliable delivery of power to homes and businesses throughout its service area.

Line inspectors on board a helicopter flying over the energy company�s transmission system use infrared equipment to look for �hot spots� that might need attention.

�Our lines are exposed to the weather all the time, and extreme temperatures and precipitation can take their toll on switches, clamps, insulators, and other equipment,� says CMP spokesperson Gail Rice. �These devices often heat up if there�s been minor damage or wear, so inspecting the lines with infrared equipment lets us find and fix problems before they cause a power outage.�

CMP owns nearly 2,500 miles of transmission line (about the same distance between Portland, Maine and Portland, Oregon), and performs the infrared inspections on a four-year cycle, with about one quarter of the system checked annually. The utility also does aerial patrols following severe storms or when its Energy Control Center detects an abnormality such as a momentary outage from a lightning strike or a change in voltage.

Each spring and fall, CMP also does a visual inspection of all of its transmission rights-of-way from the air. These flights help spot potential problems with equipment, as well as signs of unauthorized use.

�Unauthorized uses in our corridors can pose a risk to our energy grid or the environment,� said Rice. �We want to be a good neighbor by preventing abuses such as off-road vehicle use or disposal of trash or brush.�

 

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About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a diversified energy and utility company with more than
$30 billion in assets and operations in 25 states. The company operates regulated utilities and electricity generation through two primary lines of business. Avangrid Networks includes eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving
3.1 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables operates 6.3 gigawatts of electricity capacity, primarily through wind power, in states across the United States. AVANGRID employs 7,000 people.
The company was formed by a merger between Iberdrola USA and UIL Holdings Corporation in 2015. IBERDROLA S.A. (Madrid: IBE), a worldwide leader in the energy industry, owns 81.5% of AVANGRID. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

 

About CMP: Central Maine Power Company (CMP) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR). As Maine�s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility, CMP serves 620,000 homes and businesses, representing about 80% of Maine�s customer base. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the company #1 in customer satisfaction seven times. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com.
 

Media Contact:

Gail Rice
Central Maine Power
gail.rice@avangrid.com
207.622.NEWS (207.622.6397)