Helicopter flying power line inspections

A helicopter flying about noon April 25 near Five Points outside Lewes had lots of people outside their homes and businesses curious about all the noise and activity. Making its way along Route 9 flying east toward Belltown and Five Points, the loud copter hovered here and there, its occupants taking a close look at what was below.

Tim Stokes, a spokesman for Delmarva Power, said the copter crew was making a visual inspection of power lines and associated infrastructure in the area.  “We do this on a regular basis as part of our efforts to ensure reliability,” said Stokes.  “It helps us see if anything needs repair. It typically takes the team one day to inspect one line. We don’t anticipate this team being in the area any longer than today.”

According to a press release from Delmarva Power issued in February this year, Delmarva Power customers experienced the lowest frequency of electric outages ever in 2018. “The frequency of outages decreased from the previous low, set in 2017, by 8 percent. Over the past five years, ongoing investments in the local energy grid have driven a 34 percent decrease in the frequency of electric outages Delmarva Power customers have experienced.”