Each year, Adams Electric Cooperative surveys and inspects its power lines and utility poles for damage, decay, and reliability. Using contractors, these inspections will start in May and take place through the summer months.

Each year, the co-op inspects approximately 10% of its utility poles using a contractor crew from Osmose Utility Services, Inc. This year’s inspection started May 11 in Abbottstown and will move forward through the following service areas: Brush Run, Lake Meade, East Berlin (the Adams County side) and Lake Heritage.

Considering the current national health crisis as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic, Adams Electric’s management has asked the contractor crew from Osmose not to knock on doors before work begins at a property. Instead, affected members of the cooperative will receive a post card about two weeks before inspection takes place. Notifications posted on the co-op’s website, adamsec.coop, and social media sites, will also inform members when the contractor crew moves among locations.

“It is our hope that this change in protocol will lessen the likelihood of any unnecessary physical contact, in respect to social distancing, between our members and contractors during these difficult times,” said Mike Feathers, operations manager.

Once an Osmose inspector is on-site, passers-by may see digging taking place at the base of a utility pole, and possibly identification markings placed on the poles. You will also see white trucks, and contractors in marked uniforms.

Also, this summer, the co-op will be initiating its annual aerial inspections. Helicopter patrols will be conducted by Pine Bottom Aviation. The crew will consist of a pilot and one lineman.

Critical line feeds in Gettysburg, Shippensburg and York districts will be inspected by air in search of broken cross-arms, damaged wires and other electrical issues. Gettysburg District will also receive a comprehensive line review as well, based on the co-op’s routine rotation of this process. Aerial inspections can take two to three months to complete depending on weather.

According to Feathers, the crew will fly an average of six to eight hours a day when conditions are appropriate and will attempt to avoid flying over congested areas and hovering over agricultural operations.

If you happen to see a problem with a power line, pole or electrical equipment, never attempt to access or correct the situation. Report any problems immediately by calling 1-800-726-2324. If you have questions or concerns with the contractors or inspections, please call the co-op.