06 March 2006 00:00 Central Networks flying high as it checks electricity lines and substations in the Midlands from the air

Electricity distribution company Central Networks is to undertake helicopter patrols this week across the Midlands as part of its network inspection work. Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Coventry and parts of Lincolnshire will all be flown over.

Thermal vision equipment on board the helicopter will be used to spot potential hazards and to highlight areas where future work may be necessary.

Alan Raymant, Director of Infrastructure Services at Central Networks, said: “We’re responsible for around 48,000km of overhead cabling in the Midlands, and taking a helicopter up is the best way to carry out checks on large sections of the network.

“This is vital work because it helps us spot potential problems before they develop, and that means we can plan our investment and maintenance work more effectively.

“Once we get the information back from the helicopter we can then make sure we can get out there and do the necessary work before it causes problems for our customers.

“It’s all part of providing a first class service to our customers across central England.”

The exact timings and routes to be followed depend on weather conditions, but the plan is to fly over all of the substations this week and to check the overhead lines during the following two weeks.

The helicopter will be branded Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK.

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:
Jane Branscombe on 024 7642 5528
A selection of Central Networks pictures is available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution