Michigan-based utility Consumers Energy (CE) has launched an unmanned aerial vehicle that can monitor power lines and facilities of utilities.
The company is the fourth energy company in the US to receive approval for UAV use from the Federal Aviation Administration. Having received the approval, CE has started assessment of its UAV at facilities in Jackson, Mason and Tuscola counties.
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The performance of the UAV in inspecting wind turbines and above-ground utility equipment such as poles and transformers is also being evaluated.
The technology can help expedite restoration of services when projects are affected by conditions such as storms. They can also reduce cost and carbon footprint associated with assessment work besides power line inspections.
Power companies have been using helicopters for such assessments but the UAV is expected to tremendously reduce fuel use and emissions besides significant reduction in noise.
CE, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, is providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
Earlier this month CE in coordination with Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced plans to install buoys that warn the public to stay out of potentially unsafe areas downstream from hydro projects.
The company stated that it was to install buoys at Foote, Cooke, and Croton dams, and eventually at all 13 dams it operates.
Ajith Kumar S