Helicopters, Infrared Technology Used to Complete Proactive Inspections of High-Voltage Power Lines in FirstEnergy Service Area

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is conducting proactive aerial inspections of nearly 5,000 miles of high-voltage power lines across its six-state service area using infrared and ultraviolet (IR/UV) technology. The inspections, performed every four years, help detect early-stage equipment issues that are often invisible during regular visual inspections. The low-flying helicopter patrols, operating at 25-35 mph, use specialized cameras to identify potential problems like loose connections, corrosion, and cracked insulators.

Current completion rates vary by region: Ohio (64% of 1,046 miles), Pennsylvania (50% of 2,220 miles), New Jersey (42% of 630 miles), and West Virginia & Maryland (20% of 648 miles). This initiative is part of FirstEnergy's Energize365 program, which includes $28 billion in planned investments between 2025-2029 to create a smarter, more secure grid capable of meeting future energy demands.

Positive

• Part of a $28 billion grid modernization investment plan (2025-2029)
• Proactive maintenance approach to prevent costly repairs and service disruptions
• Advanced technology implementation for enhanced grid reliability
• Comprehensive coverage of 5,000 miles of power lines across six states

Negative

• None.

Patrols identify invisible equipment issues to prevent future service interruptions

AKRON, Ohio, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- To keep power flowing safely and reliably through the upcoming summer months, proactive aerial inspections along nearly 5,000 miles of high-voltage power lines are underway throughout FirstEnergy Corp.'s (NYSE: FE) six-state service area using infrared and ultraviolet (IR/UV) technology.

Completed every four years in conjunction with FirstEnergy subsidiaries American Transmission Systems Incorporated (ATSI), Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission LLC (MAIT), Keystone Appalachian Transmission Company (KATCo), Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company (TrAILCo) and Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), IR/UV patrols help prevent future power outages by detecting early-stage and often invisible equipment issues within transmission substations and on high-voltage power lines that cannot be observed during regular visual inspections. These comprehensive inspections complement annual aerial patrols that identify visible concerns, like overgrown trees, damaged equipment or birds nesting on electrical equipment.

Mark Mroczynski, President of FirstEnergy Transmission: "The transmission system is the first line of defense in preventing power outages because it supplies the electricity that flows into substations and along power lines to every single one of our customers. This work supports the vast investments we're making to strengthen our power system to meet the country's growing energy needs."

An IR/UV inspection is performed at low-flying patrol speeds between 25 and 35 mph, using an infrared and ultraviolet camera mounted on the bottom of the helicopter. The onboard thermographer uses the camera to view the electrical equipment through infrared and ultraviolet spectrums to identify any sources of overheated components or voltage issues.

View or download video footage of FirstEnergy's helicopter inspections in action.

The infrared technology shows heat on a color scale, with brighter colors or "hot spots" indicating areas that could need repairs. The thermal images can identify equipment issues such as loose connections, corrosion and load imbalances, while ultraviolet technology detects electrical discharge along a power line caused by issues like rusted hardware and cracked insulators. The combination of both technologies is beneficial because it provides a wider range of detection. Any issues identified during the inspections are addressed to prevent service disruptions and costly repairs down the road.

The IR/UV aerial inspections in FirstEnergy's territory are underway across the following areas over the next several months:

• Ohio – 1,046 miles of power lines, with nearly 64% completed.
• Pennsylvania – 2,220 miles of lines, with about 50% completed.
• New Jersey – 630 miles of lines, with about 42% completed.
• West Virginia & Maryland – 648 miles of lines, with about 20% completed.

"Helicopters provide a view of electrical equipment that we can't get from the ground, allowing inspection of miles of power lines in a single day," said Mroczynski. "However, on-the-ground inspections are still necessary and underway to ensure our neighborhood power lines and equipment are ready to meet the high demand for electricity when customers crank up their air conditioning units to stay cool and comfortable this summer."

This inspection work supports Energize365, a multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments that will deliver the power FirstEnergy's customers depend on today while also meeting the challenges of tomorrow. With planned investments of $28 billion between 2025 and 2029, the program is creating a smarter, more secure grid that will meet and exceed reliability targets and accommodate electric vehicles, the electrification of homes and businesses, and clean energy sources.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is FirstEnergy's (FE) $28 billion Energize365 program investing in between 2025-2029?

FirstEnergy's Energize365 program is investing $28 billion in transmission and distribution improvements to create a smarter, more secure grid that can accommodate electric vehicles, home/business electrification, and clean energy sources.

How many miles of power lines is FirstEnergy (FE) inspecting with IR/UV technology in 2025?

FirstEnergy is inspecting nearly 5,000 miles of high-voltage power lines across six states, including 1,046 miles in Ohio, 2,220 miles in Pennsylvania, 630 miles in New Jersey, and 648 miles in West Virginia & Maryland.

What technology is FirstEnergy (FE) using for its 2025 power line inspections?

FirstEnergy is using helicopters equipped with infrared and ultraviolet (IR/UV) cameras that detect heat signatures and electrical discharge to identify equipment issues like loose connections, corrosion, and cracked insulators.

How often does FirstEnergy (FE) conduct IR/UV aerial inspections of its power lines?

FirstEnergy conducts IR/UV aerial inspections every four years, complementing annual aerial patrols that identify visible concerns like overgrown trees and damaged equipment.