NEW BRAUNFELS—NBU will be utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) —commonly known as drones—to perform inspections on three-phase electric distribution lines starting on July 14.
The work is being performed by NBU contractor Survey and Mapping, LLC (SAM) and will include the following areas:
1. E. Torrey Street from Elizabeth Avenue to the dead-end northeast of Gruene Road.
2. North Street and N. Grant Avenue from the intersection of W. North Street and N. Liberty Avenue, northeast on E. North Street continuing southeast on N. Grant Ave to the intersection with Common Street.
3. Castell Avenue from Bridge Street to Perryman Street.
4. W. Coll Street from S. Academy Avenue to the 1000 Block of W. Coll Street.
5. Academy Avenue from Bridge Street to Merriweather Street.
6. Mill Street from the 400 Block of Mill Street to N. Market Street.
“Because this is a new approach to electric line inspections, we wanted to alert our customers that this work will be taking place and address any questions they may have with regard to the use of drones,” NBU Public Affairs Manager Gretchen Reuwer says. “The pilot and crew will be walking on foot with the drone flying overhead generally in the public right-of-way. Their general plan is to fly along, around, and above NBU’s distribution poles and lines which are roughly 40-50 feet tall. The drones will mostly be flown at altitudes of less than 100 feet and will make multiple landings. We do not want customers to be alarmed if they hear or see a UAV in the public right-of-way.”
The UAV operators will be observing strict FAA guidelines with regard to their photography work. In addition, they will be in marked SAM company vehicles and will provide identification upon request with contact information for both NBU Electric Engineering and Electric Operations personnel. The work is expected to take about five business days and will not involve interrupting service or require any effort on the part of customers.
“We will be able to capture thermal imaging, color photography, analysis, and reporting for approximately 250 three-phase structures along 5.13 miles of distribution in just days instead of the weeks that would be required with traditional manpower,” Reuwer says. “This offers exciting opportunities to aid in NBU’s continuing effort to reduce costs, conduct proactive maintenance, increase efficiencies, and improve the reliability of our systems.”
Source: Press Release