BEDFORD — Once considered just toys, drones are now transforming the utility industry by improving efficiency, safety, and communication. Across the United States, utilities spend between $6 billion and $8 billion annually inspecting and maintaining power lines. With drones, those tasks are becoming faster, safer, and more cost-effective.
Drones allow crews to inspect power lines without the need for bucket trucks or helicopters, reducing operational costs and keeping workers out of dangerous conditions. Infrastructure inspection is vital because aging grids and increasing regulatory pressure require better prevention of outages and wildfire risks.
In rural areas where access is difficult, drones can assess damage, locate repair points, and help crews plan fixes more efficiently. The ability to capture photos and videos streamlines the repair process and significantly shortens outage times.
Beyond maintenance, drones enhance communication by giving utilities the tools to document and share their work. Through photos, videos, and presentations, utilities can now show the public and stakeholders what happens behind the scenes to keep the grid running.
Advanced drones equipped with LiDAR (laser imaging, detection, and ranging) can even help engineers design better transmission routes, ensuring future reliability. Some models are fitted with infrared, ultraviolet, and radio frequency sensors to detect issues invisible to the human eye.
While the technology continues to advance, the biggest challenge remains training qualified drone pilots and ensuring safety compliance. Still, the potential is undeniable—drones are becoming one of the most valuable tools for utility cooperatives, paving the way for a more reliable and resilient energy future.
Article credit to Orange County’s REMC’s Indiana Connection (October 2025).
