The Harlow Report-GIS
2023 Edition
ISSN 0742-468X
Since 1978
On-line Since 2000
first published week of: 03/13/2023
ComEd Expands Drone Program for Remote Asset Inspection
by Jennifer Runyon
Digital inspection of assets using drones is a growing practice in the electric utility industry, which is always looking for ways to streamline operations and improve resiliency.
Chicago-based ComEd said that, for the first time, its certified pilots will operate drones remotely from any location across northern Illinois. Using new Skydio Drone Dock technology, ComEd crews will test remote drone monitoring solutions that will enable on-site and on-demand surveillance capabilities without dispatching trucks of crews to perform in-person inspections.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates commercial drone operation, permits organizations like ComEd to request operational waivers that allow pilots to remotely operate drones without a visual line of sight. These operational waivers will allow FAA-certified ComEd pilots to use enhanced drones to support routine equipment inspection, enabling utility crews to focus on priority grid repair and improvements.
The drones included in ComEd’s Drone Dock program will be equipped with a high-resolution camera and thermography tools.
Read full story at PowerGrid…