New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are conducting advanced drone inspections of thousands of miles of transmission lines as part of a Comprehensive Visual Inspection (CVI) initiative set to continue through the end of 2024. The initiative aims to enhance grid reliability and safety by identifying and addressing potential issues before they lead to outages or failures.
“Using drones to gather aerial data is highly effective,” said Paul Iannuzzelli, Manager of Networks Standardization and Maintenance for NYSEG and RG&E. “Drones can inspect electrical infrastructure that’s hard to access, such as high-voltage power lines or remote locations, without the need for scaffolding or other equipment. The process is also faster and safer than traditional inspection methods.”
The drones, equipped with high-resolution cameras, capture detailed images of the electrical infrastructure. Inspectors analyze the footage to detect physical damage, corrosion, or vegetation encroachment, among other hazards. This proactive approach not only minimizes potential disruptions but also ensures a safer environment for technicians and surrounding communities.
Since introducing drones in 2021, NYSEG and RG&E have significantly improved the efficiency and thoroughness of their infrastructure assessments. The ongoing inspections contribute to reducing outages and enhancing the consistent delivery of electricity to nearly 1.3 million customers across upstate New York.
The companies, subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., are leveraging this cutting-edge technology as part of their broader commitment to sustainability and innovation in utility services. For more information, visit NYSEG or RG&E.
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