Duke Energy deploys drones

Equipment used for infrastructure inspections in Hamilton & Boone counties to improve reliability & strengthen grid

Duke Energy is deploying aerial drones to inspect overhead power lines and electrical equipment across Hamilton and Boone counties to improve power reliability and strengthen the electric grid.

With drones, crews can safely and efficiently inspect areas – from substations down to individual transformers – that are difficult to access. The aerial vantage point allows the company to easily identify any equipment that needs repair or replacement and to get a clear view of vegetation growth around power lines.

Drone inspections are currently underway in Carmel, Cicero, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, and Zionsville. Work in the area is scheduled to conclude by the end of August.

Duke Energy uses small-sized unmanned aerial drones operated by licensed pilots who are trained to capture visual and GPS data directly related to improving the safety and reliability of electric infrastructure. This technology allows crews to work faster, safer and more effectively than they would using traditional ground methods, while also limiting disruption to customers.

Duke Energy began leveraging drones to support grid improvement projects across its service territories in 2017. Since then, the company has piloted tens of thousands of successful drone flights across its systems in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina.

For more information about Duke Energy’s use of drone technology to strengthen the grid, visit duke-energy.com/GridInspections.