Use of "drones" to inspect transmission lines part of company's commitment to reliability for customers Demo B-roll link included within ATLANTA , Aug. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power continues to focus on improving reliability and service for customers by making investments in the power grid and using advanced technology to prevent or restore power outages. The company is now deploying unmanned aerial systems, or drones, to inspect transmission power lines, helping ensure the safety and reliability of these main lines more efficiently and with greater accuracy than ever before.
This innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency, reducing the amount of time to inspect transmission lines by 40% on average, but also delivers substantial cost savings of 60% versus traditional methods. "Georgia Power owns and operates almost 12,000 miles of transmission lines throughout the state, which provide power to millions of homes and businesses – inspecting and maintaining these lines is a crucial part of what we do every day," said Fran Forehand , senior vice president of Transmission for Georgia Power. "We are always looking to improve grid resiliency and operational efficiencies, which is why we implemented transmission line drone inspections to improve efficiency and safety for our teams, provide better data and reduce costs for our customers.
" Historically, Georgia Power has used specialized bucket trucks and helicopter flights to reach and inspect transmissio.