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Rhode Island Energy (RI Energy) will be conducting routine low-level helicopter inspections over the state’s electric transmission lines from September 16 through September 20, 2024.

The inspections are essential for identifying and preventing potential hazards that could result in power outages, according to RI Energy. The helicopter will be flying at low altitudes directly above power lines throughout the state, and residents are urged to be aware of this.

“Residents should be aware that the helicopter will be flying at low altitudes during this period. These inspections are critical to preventing service disruptions and maintaining the integrity of the electric grid,” RI Energy says in an advisory.

RI Energy uses a blue and yellow Bell 206 helicopter for the inspections. The contractor is JBI Helicopters.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...

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