NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Inspectors for the Tennessee Valley Authority are utilizing helicopters as they work to conduct visual inspections.
The TVA is the largest provider of power in the country and has nearly 16,000 miles of power lines criss-crossing seven states.
Nashville's News 2 spoke with inspection crews on Wednesday who said with enough power lines to cross the nation five times, the helicopters are beneficial when performing annual inspections.
"It gives us a lot better vantage point and an opportunity for us to actually see all the lines," explained TVA Right-of-Way Specialist John Dooley.
Power lines often cross private property; however, the TVA maintains the rights of way underneath and around its power lines.
The right of way allows TVA to remove trees, plants and other objects which could cause interruptions to service.
"It is our goal to stay as far away from that as possible by trying to have an aggressive and good program out there built around safe and reliable power for the community," said Dooley.
TVA maintains a list of compatible trees and shrubs which they allow land owner to plant under and near power lines.
The TVA provides electricity to around nine million customers.
