Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has made a significant move in utility operations. The company recently convened a comprehensive conference that brought together certified drone pilots, industry partners, community collaborators, and federal stakeholders to discuss the immense potential of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for utility operations. The participants included notable organizations such as Advexure, Airdata, Infravision, and Skydio, as well as representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Unmanned Safety Institute.
Jason Regan, Vice President of System Inspections at PG&E, highlighted the company’s pioneering work in drone-based equipment inspections, stating, “PG&E operates one of the largest and most advanced drone-based equipment inspection programs in the world, helping to deliver on our commitment to preventing catastrophic wildfires.” The conference aimed to provide drone pilots with valuable insights into new technologies and best practices for integrating and operating drones safely and responsibly within the energy industry.
PG&E has been at the forefront of utilising drone technology in utility operations. The company began with infrastructure inspections in 2015 and has since expanded its drone usage, demonstrating remarkable efficiency and productivity. In collaboration with Skydio, PG&E became the first utility in California to conduct fully remote drone operations for electric system inspections, made possible by an FAA waiver. This achievement offers triple advantages of increased system, operator, and community safety; reduced time and resources; and cost savings.
Furthermore, PG&E recently partnered with Infravision to become the first utility in North America to string powerlines with drones. The Infravision TX UAV Stringing System, deployed in challenging areas where helicopters cannot operate, proves to be a safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective alternative. Under a multi-year agreement with Infravision, PG&E has shared its experience using the TX system with industry peers and conducted trainings with BC Hydro, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and sharing knowledge within the industry.
Skydio, a leader in autonomous drone technology, introduced Skydio Dock and Dock Lite, small and lightweight solutions for remote drone operations. This development is yet another significant advancement in the realm of drone technology, further enhancing the capabilities of utility operations.
The use of drones for power line stringing has also been a prominent topic in the industry, with experts highlighting the game-changing impact of this technology. Miriam McNabb, an influential figure in the industry, has emphasised the potential of drones to change power line stringing forever, given her expertise and insights on the commercial drone space.
In conclusion, PG&E’s adoption of cutting-edge drone technology signifies a major transformation in utility operations. By harnessing the power of drones, the company has not only enhanced safety and efficiency but has also set a new standard for the industry as a whole. The future of utility operations is undoubtedly being shaped by innovative advancements in drone technology, and PG&E is leading the way.
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