Vermont Electric Cooperative Expands Drone Technology for Power Line Inspections
JOHNSON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Next month, residents in northern Vermont may notice an increased presence of drones in the sky as Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) announces the expansion of its drone usage for inspecting overhead power lines across over half of its service area. Currently utilizing drones for assessing damage post-disasters and updating aerial photographs, VEC has already reaped savings of $50,000 to $60,000 annually through this technology.
According to VEC’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Rossi, the drones significantly enhance operational efficiency. "Instead of having to have a damage assessor and walk all those lines… we can cover a lot of ground in a very short amount of time," he stated during a recent web presentation. The cooperative assures that the drones will strictly photograph VEC property and emphasizes its commitment to maintaining residents’ privacy.
While drones offer numerous advantages, particularly in routine inspections, they do have limitations in adverse weather conditions. Operations Supervisor Shawn Juaire noted that drones cannot operate in winds exceeding 40 miles per hour, a similar restriction that would also apply to helicopters. However, VEC remains optimistic, citing ongoing advancements in drone technology.
VEC’s drone operations are conducted under a contract with 3D mapping company Firmatek and are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration. A complete list of towns slated for drone inspections will be available on the VEC website.
As the use of drones expands, VEC strives to enhance its operational efficiency while prioritizing safety and privacy for the communities it serves. For ongoing updates and more information, residents are encouraged to visit ABC22 & FOX44’s platforms.
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