Xcel Energy has FAA approval to use drones. The small unmanned aircraft systems will be used to visually inspect electricity transmission and distribution lines, power plants, renewable energy facilities, substations and natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines.

“We are pleased with the FAA decision as we study how this new technology can best be used to enhance employee and public safety at our operations,” said Kent Larson, Xcel Energy’s executive vice president and group president of operations. “We believe these measures will increase electricity and gas system reliability, reduce customer costs and improve our emergency response times,”

Xcel Energy says that the drones will allow employees to safely inspect hard to reach areas and keep workers out of danger. Drones will also be used to observe environmentally sensitive areas without the use of trucks, helicopters or other utility equipment, minimizing the environmental impact.

Larson said that the current plan is to use drones only over utility property or utility rights of way and away from populated areas and airports. The drones will be flown at low altitudes and in the operator’s line of sight.

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