18 November 2008 10:54 Helicopters hunt for ‘hot spots’ – Central Networks takes to the air to check electricity substations

Central Networks is launching its eye-in-the-sky helicopter patrols across central England next week as part of its work to inspect some of its 750 primary substations.

The company will send up a helicopter fitted with thermal imaging equipment which will be used to spot potential hazards and identify where future work may be needed in electricity substations across the region.

The specialist cameras show a glowing bright light when there are high levels of heat between connections, joints or any other positions, with engineers then able to prioritise those "hot spots" for repair work.

Jim O'Sullivan, Director of Infrastructure Services at Central Networks, said: "Taking up a helicopter is the best, easiest and fastest way to carry out checks on large sections of the network.

"We're responsible for around 750 primary and grid substations across the Midlands and this is vital work. It helps us spot potential problems before they develop and that means we can do any necessary work before it begins to cause problems for our customers."

The patrols begin in the East Midlands from Monday, 24^th November and across the West Midlands from 8^th December until 31^st December. The exact timings and routes to be followed depend on weather conditions.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Central Networks brings power to 9.4 million people across central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables 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 Boarders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

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