Xcel inspections mean low-flying helicopters across Minnesota

You might spot a low-flying helicopter or two over the next several weeks.

Xcel Energy crews started inspecting transmission lines across Minnesota on Monday. The required inspections will identify repair and maintenance issues along the lines.

Spokesman Randy Fordice says Xcel is alerting the public and emergency responders to the work because the aircraft will be flying at both high and low speeds close to the ground.

Fordice said crews will look for trees that are growing too close to the lines and for other issues that aren't easily seen from the ground.

"This lets us get a little bit of a closer look and an above-ground view as well," he said. "We can see if there's anything that's starting to degrade that we may need to send crews out to do some more detailed inspections and repairs."

Crews began inspection work in central Minnesota on Monday. They'll shift to other areas of the state and the Dakotas as the weather allows.