Atlantic City Electric is enlisting drones to help keep reliable service to hospitals and medical facilities. Drones have been used since 2018 for a variety of different inspections, spokesman Frank Tedesco said.
But most recently they are helping enhance inspections of overhead distribution equipment feeding healthcare centers.
These inspections can help identify damaged equipment that could result in a power outage, according to the company.
In addition to examining equipment from the ground, the company is using the drones to get an aerial view of the system, where possible.
The drones minimize risk associated with personnel climbing poles. These inspections are also faster and more efficient than traditional forms, according to the company.
At this time of social distancing, the drones use one- to two-person crews.
They also can be used instead of the helicopter work that has been done, which requires employees/contractors to be in close proximity in the cockpit.
Atlantic City Electric’s parent company — Pepco Holdings — has 15 active drones/unmanned aircraft systems.
Two are kept in Atlantic City Electric’s service area full time, but all are available for use by Atlantic City Electric, if needed.
These drones fly above substations, power lines and other equipment to capture detailed videos and photos of the local energy grid.
These videos and photos are used as part of our comprehensive inspection program.
While they were not used during the latest storm event, the technology is continually being evaluated to assist with storm-related power restoration in the future, Tedesco said.
Have you seen workers seeming to dangle from helicopter wires?Don’t worry. It’s not a big rescue effort. It’s electric.It’s all part of improving service to customers, according to Atlantic City Electric.“We are performing reliability enhancement work to benefit thousands of customers in Atlantic City and the surrounding area,” spokesman Frank Tedesco said. “This work is occurring through marshland and along an existing transmission line route between Route 30 and the Atlantic City Expressway, from Leeds Avenue in Pleasantville to Beach Thorofare in Atlantic City.”A helicopter is being used both to set the steel poles in the marshland and transport personnel performing the work, he explained.For safety, the westbound ramp to Delilah Road from Route 30 is closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the work is being completed.
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