American Transmission Co. projects

Project website for a Wisconsin-based company that owns and operates the high-voltage electric transmission system that powers communities in portions of the Upper Midwest.

Media Line: (877) 506-6117info(at)atcllc.com

Helicopter crews patrol ATC transmission lines

PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Helicopter crews began patrolling American Transmission Co. electric transmission lines this week to look for damage, right-of-way encroachments and vegetation issues.

ATC contracted the services of Chemair Helicopters of Jefferson, Wis., to patrol the transmission system, which covers portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. The patrols are expected to be completed by the end of April, weather permitting.

Crews will inspect the lines by flying approximately 10 feet above the wires, and they will avoid flying over livestock where possible. Schedules may vary due to weather, but crews are expected to be in the following areas this month:

  • Early April: Southeast Wisconsin; Appleton and Green Bay areas
  • Mid-April: Central Wisconsin, southwest Wisconsin and Dane County
  • Late April: Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

ATC conducts helicopter patrols two or three times a year to detect potential problems that can be corrected to avoid unplanned power outages. Aerial inspections allow crews to reach secluded or difficult-to-reach lines and identify potential problems such as damaged lines or insulators, or tree limbs that could fall, damage equipment and cause power outages. Many of ATC’s 9,440 miles of transmission lines are located in relatively remote areas of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and it is difficult and time consuming for crews to reach these areas by vehicle or on foot.

Note to editors: A map showing the locations ATC’s transmission facilities is available at www.atcllc.com.

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Formed in 2001 as the nation’s first multi-state transmission-only utility, American Transmission Co. is a Wisconsin-based company that owns and operates 10,081 miles of electric transmission lines and 582 substations in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Our transmission network enables the movement of electricity produced from all forms of generation resources to areas where it is needed – helping to keep the lights on, businesses running and communities strong. Visit our website at www.atcllc.com.

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