January 2012 Capital Investment - National Grid

Exhibit ___ (EIOP-19)Page 61 of 684Inspection and MaintenanceUnder this program, the Company performs visual inspections on all overhead andunderground distribution assets once every five years. Each inspection identifies andcategorizes all necessary repairs, or asset replacements, against a standard and interms of criticality to improve customer reliability in compliance with the Commission’sSafety Order in Case 04-M-0159. 1In addition, the following types of inspections are conducted by the Company:• Aerial assessments of sub-transmission lines on an annual basis, and• Infra-red inspection of sub-transmission lines on a three year schedule.The Company also performs annual elevated voltage testing per the Commission’sSafety Order on all facilities that are capable of conducting electricity and are publiclyaccessible.Drivers:The Company implements the Inspection and Maintenance program in accordance withthe Commission’s directives in Case 04-M-0159.The 2011 Asset Condition Report details the application of the Inspection andMaintenance program to sub-transmission assets. 2Customer Benefits:This program is designed to ensure the Company fulfills its obligation to provide safeand adequate service by inspecting it facilities and repairing safety and reliability issuesidentified in a timely fashion.1 Case 04-M-0159, Proceeding on Motion of the Commission to Examine the Safety of ElectricTransmission and Distribution Systems, Order Adopting Changes in the Electric Safety Standards(issued and effective Dec. 15, 2008) (“Safety Order”).2 Report on the Condition of Physical Elements of Transmission and Distribution Systems, Case06-M-0878, October 1, 2011, page II-87.III-3 362