The Mid-Atlantic region, encompassing the states of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, boasts of vibrant cities, picturesque landscapes, and thriving economies. At the heart of this dynamic region lies a critical infrastructure network that powers homes, businesses, and communities. Electric utility companies in these states, such as PSE&G and Atlantic City Electric, are at the forefront of a groundbreaking technological shift that is reshaping the way they manage and maintain their vital power systems – the integration of drones.
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This article delves into the compelling narrative behind the adoption of drone technology by utility companies across the Mid-Atlantic. We explore how these companies are leveraging drones to enhance safety, streamline maintenance, and respond swiftly to challenges. We take a look at the pioneering efforts of prominent players like Exelon Corporation and uncover the advantages of drone integration and the impact it holds for the utility landscape of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
The Rise of Drones in Utility Operations
Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have evolved far beyond their initial recreational and military applications. Today, these versatile machines are playing a vital role in transforming how utility companies manage and maintain their vast infrastructures. Equipped with advanced technologies, including high-resolution cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, and thermal imaging capabilities, drones offer utility companies a bird’s-eye view that was once limited to expensive and time-consuming manual inspections.
What's included in the PDF...
The complete step-by-step beginners roadmap for infrastructure inspections
Crucial factors of success when implementing a drone program
The game-changing advantages of utilizing drones for inspections
Benefits of Using Drones in the Utility Sector
Drones offer an array of substantial benefits that have redefined how utility companies manage and safeguard their critical infrastructure. One of the most notable advantages is the enhanced safety they bring to field personnel. In the past, utility inspections often required technicians to navigate treacherous environments, like scaling power poles or navigating remote and rugged terrains. Drones have effectively mitigated these risks by enabling remote inspections, eliminating the need for workers to be put in harm’s way. This has significantly reduced the potential for accidents and injuries.
The ability for personnel to not have to traverse difficult areas and not have to enter dense vegetation, marshes and swamps is a major safety factor for Atlantic City Electric and their decision to use drones.
Source: Karan Patel, Atlantic City Electric Engineer
Other areas where utility companies benefit from drones include:
- Efficient Inspection and Maintenance of Power Infrastructure
- Cost-Effective Solutions for Monitoring and Data Collection
- Rapid Response to Outages and Emergencies
Drones offer a versatile toolkit that effectively addresses the distinct challenges encountered by utility companies in the Mid-Atlantic region. The adaptability of drone technology to varying terrains and environments enhances the accuracy and scope of inspections, surpassing the limitations of traditional methods. This translates into improved infrastructure resilience, reduced downtime, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Why New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, & Delaware Utility Companies Are Turning to Drones
What is driving the adoption of drones in the Mid-Atlantic region?
The strategic embrace of drone technology by utility companies across the region is fueled by compelling reasons specific to the characteristics of the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Geographic and environmental considerations: The diverse topography and extensive landscapes of the Mid-Atlantic region pose challenges for conventional inspection methods.
- Aging infrastructure and the need for proactive maintenance: Many utility companies in the Mid-Atlantic operate infrastructures that have matured over decades. The integration of drones facilitates meticulous monitoring of aging power lines, towers, and substations. By identifying wear, tear, and potential vulnerabilities before they escalate, drones empower utility companies to implement proactive maintenance measures, enhancing infrastructure longevity and averting potential outages.
Regulatory and compliance factors: Stringent regulations and compliance standards govern the utility industry, necessitating meticulous adherence to safety protocols and timely inspections. Drones provide an innovative solution that aligns with these regulatory demands while also streamlining operations.
Related Article – The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Drone Power Line Inspections
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT droneS? START HERE.
Two Mid-Atlantic Utility Companies Setting New Standards
Video Credit: PSEG Long Island
PSE&G Long Island: Elevating Grid Reliability Through Drone Technology
PSE&G Long Island has forged a path as an industry-leading electric company, dedicated to providing Long Island and the Rockaways with exceptional customer service, unparalleled reliability, and engagement in the community. As the island’s only power company, PSEG Long Island has harnessed the potential of drone technology to advance its commitment to their customers.
At the heart of this technological evolution lies a concerted effort to ensure the uninterrupted flow of electricity to over a million homes and businesses. PSEG Long Island’s embrace of drones has ushered in a new era of power grid maintenance, contributing significantly to the remarkable 68 percent increase in grid reliability achieved over the past five years.
Collaborating with skilled pilots from ULC Robotics, PSEG employed drones to undertake critical functions that were previously achieved through traditional methods. These UAVs were instrumental in identifying aging wires and precisely locating overgrown vegetation that has the potential to disrupt power distribution.
The partnership between PSEG Long Island and ULC Robotics began in 2016 under a large-scale pilot program to improve system reliability, making the partnership a transformative journey for the utility company. In recent years, this collaboration has yielded remarkable outcomes. Along with setting a new record for tree trimming on Long Island power lines, recent aerial inspections of transmission lines and towers in Glen Head, PSEG Long Island’s integration of drones exemplifies their unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and community welfare.
Video Credit: Atlantic City Electric
Exelon Corporation: Pioneering Innovation and Safety through Drone Integration
Exelon Corporation has a distinguished reputation as an industry leader with operations that consistently outperform benchmarks in customer satisfaction, reduced outage frequency, and swift service restoration. Exelon currently serves communities through a network of electric companies including Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO, and Pepco.
At the heart of Exelon’s success lies a thriving culture of innovation. With safety a top priority, Exelon has embraced new technologies like drones to mitigate risks and enhance the well-being of its workforce while bolstering the reliability of its entire electrical grid.
One outstanding example is ComEd’s partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology, culminating in a groundbreaking drone program. In 2015, ComEd made history by becoming the first energy company authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to pilot unmanned aircraft systems operationally. This milestone has yielded remarkable results in operational safety.
Another great example comes from Atlantic City Electric who provides safe and reliable energy services to approximately 560,000 customers in southern New Jersey. In their dedication to ensure safe and dependable service, they made a commitment to safeguarding local hospitals and vital medical facilities by seamlessly integrating drones into its inspection protocols.
Since 2018, Atlantic City Electric has been leveraging drones to perform critical equipment inspections, a practice that included challenges posed by the pandemic. General engineer Karan Patel underscores the utility’s enduring reliance on drones, citing their exceptional safety advantages in traversing complex terrains and dense vegetation. The capacity for personnel to remain stationed in secure locations while remotely operating drones has proven to be highly beneficial in capturing aerial imagery of equipment and power lines.
The central objective behind Atlantic City Electric’s drone initiatives lies in their ability to identify defects within power lines and fortify the electric system’s capacity to withstand augmented loads. By providing an alternative perspective through high-definition aerial imagery, drones empower the utility to detect anomalies and vulnerabilities that might otherwise remain unnoticed, ensuring a robust and resilient energy grid.
Getting Started with Drones for Utility Companies
When considering using drones for power line inspections and maintenance, it is highly recommended to hire a drone service provider with specific experience in the utility industry. The Drone Life pilots, for example, are highly trained and qualified to conduct transmission line inspections and preventative maintenance for utility companies. Our licensed pilots are experienced in navigation and safety around transmission lines, capture accurate data, and identify potential issues. By hiring an experienced drone service provider, you can ensure that the inspections are carried out by professionals who understand the nuances and complexities of power line infrastructure. Schedule a free consultation today with The Drone Life for more information.
What's included in the PDF...
The complete step-by-step beginners roadmap for infrastructure inspections
Crucial factors of success when implementing a drone program
The game-changing advantages of utilizing drones for inspections
