Central Hudson Gas and Electric is exploring the use of UAS to help in the company’s operations.”It will not completely replace the use of human eyes on a trouble spot, but it will help us locate these trouble spots more quickly,” said spokesperson John Maserjian.
The Poughkeepise-based utility company is using the nimble DJI Phantom II to help inspect and locate damaged sections of power lines, and more quickly dispatch crews to make repairs.
“We hear from our customers when can they get their power back on the sooner the better, and using this type of technology will cut back that time,” said Maserjian.
But not everyone is happy about this. Those opposed to the use of drones, like Andrew Dalton said safety and privacy are two major concerns.
“In 2012 the United States Air Force lost 79 of its drones through/ by crashes alone accidents. They do not have a great safety record however the FAA however is working on that,” said Andrew Dalton of Drone Alert Hudson Valley.
Right now, the Federal Aviation Administration is in the process of developing comprehensive regulations governing the use of drones. Maserjian said Central Hudson will strictly comply with those regulations.
“Experiment for us and we think it has a lot of potential though, so we’re looking forward to seeing what these can do for us in the field,” said Maserjian.
“Who is regulating privacy who know who’s picture is being taken doing what even these things that are suppose to check power lines,” said Dalton.
Source: Hudson Valley News