FirstEnergy Corp. has launched an extensive aerial inspection program across its six-state service area to ensure reliable electricity delivery during peak summer demand. Using helicopters equipped with infrared and ultraviolet (IR/UV) technology, crews are examining nearly 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines to detect potential equipment issues invisible to the naked eye. These specialized inspections, conducted every four years, complement annual visual patrols that identify more obvious problems like vegetation encroachment or structural damage.
The advanced detection system operates at low altitudes between 25-35 mph, capturing thermal and electrical discharge data through specialized cameras. Infrared imaging reveals overheating components through color-coded heat signatures, while ultraviolet technology pinpoints electrical arcing from damaged hardware. “This combination gives us the most comprehensive view of our system’s health,” explained Mark Mroczynski, President of FirstEnergy Transmission. “Identifying these hidden problems now prevents larger outages later.” The current inspection campaign has already covered significant portions of the network, with completion rates ranging from 20% in West Virginia/Maryland to 64% in Ohio.
These proactive measures support FirstEnergy’s $28 billion Energize365 grid modernization initiative running through 2029. The program addresses both current reliability needs and future challenges including electric vehicle adoption and renewable energy integration. Transmission infrastructure serves as the backbone of this system, delivering power to substations before reaching end consumers. “We’re not just maintaining today’s grid—we’re building tomorrow’s resilient energy network,” Mroczynski added.
While aerial inspections provide efficient large-scale assessments, FirstEnergy emphasizes the continued importance of ground-level examinations, particularly for local distribution lines. Crews are simultaneously conducting neighborhood-level checks to ensure all system components can handle summer cooling demands. The company maintains approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, serving millions of customers through subsidiaries including Jersey Central Power & Light and American Transmission Systems.
FirstEnergy’s multilayered inspection approach reflects growing industry emphasis on predictive maintenance strategies. By combining cutting-edge aerial diagnostics with traditional field work, the utility aims to minimize service interruptions while accommodating evolving energy needs. The current IR/UV campaign will continue through the coming months, with identified issues being prioritized for repair to maintain system reliability during the high-demand summer season.
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