23 April 2007 00:00 Central Networks takes to the skies to check electricity lines and substations across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is carrying out helicopter patrols in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire as part of its network inspection work.

The patrols play an essential role in identifying current or future problems on the overhead electricity network.

The flights will last for one week and will begin today (April 23). Further flights will take place in May, June and July.

Bob Halsey, 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.”

The helicopter patrols will also be on the look out for trees growing into overhead lines, which can cause problems in stormy weather.

Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK, carries out helicopter patrols across the East and West Midlands every year in the summer.

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across Central England 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.
• The flights in Derbyshire will take place over Burnaston, Burton-on-Trent, Chesterfield, Derby, Spondon, Staveley and Willington. The flights in Nottinghamshire will take place over Clipstone, Grantham, Hawton, Mansfield, Nottingham, Retford, Staythorpe and Worksop. The flights in Northamptonshire will take place over Corby, Grendon, Irthlingborough, and Northampton.

For further information contact:
Jane Branscombe on 024 7618 3681
Jamee Majid on 024 7618 3679
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