PG&E's Aerial System Drone Fleet Supports Safe, Reliable Energy System
Rhea-AI Summary
PG&E highlights its drone fleet operations ahead of National Drone Safety Day (April 26), showcasing how autonomous aerial systems enhance their infrastructure inspection capabilities. In 2024, the company conducted over 250,000 drone inspections of distribution structures and 42,000 missions on transmission equipment across Northern and Central California.
The drones, operated by FAA-licensed pilots, enable close inspection of assets to identify potential risks and necessary repairs. The company emphasizes its commitment to customer privacy, stating that drone operations are strictly to infrastructure inspection, avoiding imagery of private property.
PG&E implements a comprehensive notification system for drone operations, alerting customers through their preferred communication method and Nextdoor. All flights are registered through PG&E's aviation dispatch center FlightCore to prevent conflicts with other air traffic.
Positive
- Implementation of advanced drone technology for infrastructure inspection improves operational efficiency
- Comprehensive inspection coverage with 250,000+ distribution structure inspections completed
- Early risk identification capability enables proactive maintenance, potentially reducing repair costs
- Enhanced safety through remote inspection of hard-to-reach areas
Negative
- None.
Autonomous aerial systems or "drones" are an essential part of PG&E's aerial fleet, and support the safe, reliable delivery of electric and gas service to millions of Californians. Drones enable PG&E to inspect assets closely, allowing crews to identify potential risks and when necessary, make repairs to areas of concern or damage. PG&E drones are operated by FAA licensed pilots.
"Drones have revolutionized multiple industries. Their ability to swiftly navigate and capture high-resolution, zoomable images allows our inspectors to assess system health with unparalleled precision — right down to the threads on a bolt," said PG&E Electric System Inspections Vice President Jason Regan. "With drones, our teams can safely explore previously inaccessible areas and document critical information that was once out of reach from traditional ground-based approaches. By identifying risks and damage early, we can proactively make repairs before failures occur. Leveraging drones to inspect our electric, gas, and hydro assets from a fresh perspective is contributing to a safer
Addressing privacy concerns
PG&E recognizes and respects the privacy of every customer and the hometowns it serves. PG&E's drones are operated solely for the purposes of inspecting gas, electric and some hydropower infrastructure. Operators capture images limited only to data and equipment, and intentionally avoid imagery of customers and private property.
Increased seasonal operation
PG&E leverages opportunities during temperate weather to conduct aerial system inspection flights. Customers may see PG&E operated drones around Northern and
2024 by the numbers:
- PG&E pilots and contractors successfully and safely flew more than 250,000 distribution structures on distribution equipment – the wooden poles you might see you in your neighborhood.
- On transmission equipment – the larger metal structures – PG&E pilots and contractors successfully and safely flew 42,000 missions.
Interacting with PG&E pilots and PG&E contractors:
- How to find a pilot: If you see a drone flying near electric equipment, look around - there will be a pilot within visual line of sight of that drone.
- Look for Identifying Gear: A PG&E pilot or contractor will be wearing a hard hat, high-visibility safety vest and have a badge identifying them as a PG&E pilot or contractor on their vest.
- Watch and wait: Our pilots and contractors are happy to discuss what they are doing and looking at with you, but please wait to approach them until the drone has landed safely.
Notifications and safety:
- Before PG&E flies drones to inspect our assets in your zip code, you will be notified by the method you selected in your bill – phone, text or email. We will also post notifications on Nextdoor targeted at your zip code.
- PG&E pilots and contractors have flight plans registered through PG&E's aviation dispatch center FlightCore to assure that the drone is not conflicting with any other PG&E air traffic in the area.
- Every PG&E pilot and contractor are FAA licensed commercial pilots and follow all FAA Part 107 regulations. PG&E has additional safety protocols that our pilots follow to ensure we are safely operating around our infrastructure.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and
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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company
FAQ
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