Beginning the week of July 27, Idaho Falls Power started a comprehensive aerial inspection of portions of its electric distribution system as part of its ongoing commitment to provide safe, reliable electric service to its community.
MJ Inspection Consultants used a specialized drone crew to inspect approximately 1,681 distribution poles throughout the Idaho Falls service area.
Phase one occurred in the area west of the Snake River.
Using drones, crews were able to inspect equipment from the air with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging, identifying damaged components, loose connections, vegetation concerns, or signs of equipment wear before they lead to outages.
Drones provide access to areas that are difficult or hazardous for crews to reach, reducing the need for employees to work at heights or in challenging terrain while minimizing disruption to customers.
“While this is a new technique for Idaho Falls Power, utilities across the country have increasingly relied on drone technology to cost-effectively maintain electric systems,” said Alan Cunningham, Design Services Manager.
Today, drone inspections have become an industry best practice for improving safety, reliability, and preventative maintenance.
"By identifying potential issues early, we can better plan maintenance, improve reliability for our customers, and make the best use of our infrastructure investments," said Cunningham.
All drone operations will be conducted by qualified personnel following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and applicable safety requirements.
The aerial inspection program will establish a comprehensive baseline inventory of the utility's distribution assets, allowing Idaho Falls Power to compare future inspections over time, monitor equipment conditions, and improve long-term planning.
