Drones to Be Used to Inspect NYSEG Power Lines

NYSEG electric transmission lines in the Binghamton area will be examined by inspectors using drones.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]The utility has announced the routine inspections are planned this month in Broome County.

NYSEG and its related utility companies in New York and New England have started to utilize drone technology for some of the work that in the past required the use of helicopters.

Two people were killed in November 2012 when a helicopter being used for a NYSEG power line inspection project crashed in Steuben County. The small aircraft went down in the City of Corning after it became entangled in electric lines.

NYSEG officials say the use of drones is a "safe, efficient way to get real-time information quickly."

The utility says the drones it will use are flown by Coutts Brothers of Randolph, Maine.

NYSEG released its drone inspection schedule for Broome County: Maine (January 18 and 19), Union (January 18 through 21), Johnson City (January 20), Dickinson (January 21) and Vestal (January 23 through 25).

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