Georgia Power improves efficiency, reduces costs using unmanned aerial systems
Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is enhancing its transmission line inspection process by deploying unmanned aerial systems (drones). This innovative approach has led to significant improvements:
- 40% reduction in inspection time
- 60% cost savings compared to traditional methods
- Inspection of 14 miles of transmission lines per day
- Plans to review over 15,000 structures in 2024
The drones capture high-quality images and videos, allowing for detailed inspections of the company's 12,000 miles of transmission lines. This method improves safety, efficiency, and data accuracy while reducing fuel and maintenance costs. The initiative is part of Georgia Power's broader strategy to enhance grid resiliency and operational efficiency.
Georgia Power, una filiale della Southern Company (NYSE: SO), sta migliorando il suo processo di ispezione delle linee di trasmissione implementando sistemi aerei senza pilota (droni). Questo approccio innovativo ha portato a miglioramenti significativi:
- Riduzione del 40% del tempo di ispezione
- Risparmi del 60% rispetto ai metodi tradizionali
- Ispezioni di 14 miglia di linee di trasmissione al giorno
- Piani per esaminare oltre 15.000 strutture nel 2024
I droni catturano immagini e video di alta qualità, consentendo ispezioni dettagliate delle 12.000 miglia di linee di trasmissione dell'azienda. Questo metodo migliora la sicurezza, l'efficienza e l'accuratezza dei dati, riducendo nel contempo i costi di carburante e manutenzione. L'iniziativa fa parte della strategia più ampia di Georgia Power per migliorare la resilienza della rete e l'efficienza operativa.
Georgia Power, una subsidiaria de Southern Company (NYSE: SO), está mejorando su proceso de inspección de líneas de transmisión mediante la implementación de sistemas aéreos no tripulados (drones). Este enfoque innovador ha llevado a mejoras significativas:
- Reducción del 40% en el tiempo de inspección
- Ahorros del 60% en comparación con métodos tradicionales
- Inspección de 14 millas de líneas de transmisión por día
- Planes para revisar más de 15,000 estructuras en 2024
Los drones capturan imágenes y videos de alta calidad, permitiendo inspecciones detalladas de los 12,000 millas de líneas de transmisión de la empresa. Este método mejora la seguridad, la eficiencia y la precisión de los datos, al tiempo que reduce los costos de combustible y mantenimiento. La iniciativa es parte de la estrategia más amplia de Georgia Power para mejorar la resiliencia de la red y la eficiencia operativa.
조지아 전력(Georgia Power)은 Southern Company(NYSE: SO)의 자회사로서, 무인 항공 시스템(드론)을 활용하여 송전선 점검 과정을 개선하고 있습니다. 이 혁신적인 접근은 다음과 같은 유의미한 개선을 가져왔습니다:
- 점검 시간 40% 감소
- 전통적인 방법에 비해 60% 비용 절감
- 하루에 14마일의 송전선 점검
- 2024년에 15,000개 구조물 이상 점검 계획
드론은 고품질 이미지와 비디오를 캡처하여 회사의 12,000마일에 달하는 송전선의 자세한 점검을 가능하게 합니다. 이 방법은 안전성, 효율성 및 데이터 정확성을 향상시키는 동시에 연료 및 유지비용을 줄여줍니다. 이번 이니셔티브는 조지아 전력의 더 넓은 전략의 일환으로, 전력망의 회복력 및 운영 효율성을 향상시키고자 합니다.
Georgia Power, une filiale de Southern Company (NYSE: SO), améliore son processus d'inspection des lignes de transmission en déployant des systèmes aériens sans pilote (drones). Cette approche novatrice a entraîné des améliorations significatives :
- Réduction de 40% du temps d'inspection
- Économies de 60% par rapport aux méthodes traditionnelles
- Inspection de 14 miles de lignes de transmission par jour
- Prévisions de révision de plus de 15.000 structures en 2024
Les drones capturent des images et des vidéos de haute qualité, permettant des inspections détaillées des 12.000 miles de lignes de transmission de l'entreprise. Cette méthode améliore la sécurité, l'efficacité et la précision des données, tout en réduisant les coûts de carburant et de maintenance. L'initiative s'inscrit dans une stratégie plus large de Georgia Power visant à renforcer la résilience du réseau et l'efficacité opérationnelle.
Georgia Power, eine Tochtergesellschaft der Southern Company (NYSE: SO), verbessert ihren Inspektionsprozess für Übertragungsleitungen durch den Einsatz von unbemannten Luftfahrtsystemen (Drohnen). Dieser innovative Ansatz hat zu erheblichen Verbesserungen geführt:
- 40% Reduzierung der Inspektionszeit
- 60% Kosteneinsparungen im Vergleich zu traditionellen Methoden
- Inspektion von 14 Meilen Übertragungsleitungen pro Tag
- Pläne zur Überprüfung von über 15.000 Strukturen im Jahr 2024
Die Drohnen erfassen hochwertige Bilder und Videos, die detaillierte Inspektionen der 12.000 Meilen Übertragungsleitungen des Unternehmens ermöglichen. Diese Methode verbessert die Sicherheit, Effizienz und Daten-genauigkeit und verringert gleichzeitig die Kraftstoff- und Wartungskosten. Die Initiative ist Teil von Georgia Powers umfassender Strategie zur Verbesserung der Netzresilienz und betrieblichen Effizienz.
- 40% reduction in transmission line inspection time
- 60% cost savings compared to traditional inspection methods
- Improved safety for inspection teams
- Enhanced data quality and accuracy for inspections
- Increased efficiency with 14 miles of transmission lines inspected per day
- Plans to review over 15,000 structures in transmission corridors in 2024
- None.
Insights
Georgia Power's adoption of drone technology for transmission line inspections marks a significant leap in operational efficiency. The 40% reduction in inspection time and 60% cost savings demonstrate the transformative potential of this technology in the utility sector. This innovation not only streamlines operations but also enhances safety for workers and improves data quality.
The ability to inspect 14 miles of transmission lines per day with high-precision imaging capabilities is a game-changer. It allows for proactive maintenance, potentially reducing outages and improving overall grid reliability. This move aligns with the industry trend towards digitalization and automation, positioning Georgia Power at the forefront of utility modernization efforts.
While the initial investment in drone technology and pilot training may be substantial, the long-term benefits in cost reduction, safety enhancement and improved service reliability make this a strategically sound decision for the company and its customers.
The implementation of drone technology for transmission line inspections presents a compelling financial case for Georgia Power. The reported 60% cost reduction compared to traditional methods is substantial and will likely have a positive impact on the company's operational expenses.
This efficiency gain could translate into improved profitability margins or potential cost savings passed on to customers, enhancing Georgia Power's competitive position. The investment in drone technology also demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation and long-term cost management, which investors typically view favorably.
Moreover, the improved inspection capabilities may lead to reduced maintenance costs and fewer unplanned outages, potentially resulting in lower repair expenses and improved customer satisfaction. This proactive approach to infrastructure management could positively influence the company's financial stability and investor perception in the long run.
Georgia Power's drone initiative represents a significant advancement in power infrastructure management. With almost 12,000 miles of transmission lines under their purview, the efficiency gains from drone inspections are substantial. The ability to closely examine structures up to 350 feet tall without risking human safety is a major improvement.
The precision of drone-captured images allows for early detection of issues like lightning damage, vegetation encroachment and equipment wear. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of outages and extend the lifespan of transmission infrastructure. The plan to review over 15,000 structures this year indicates a comprehensive upgrade to their maintenance strategy.
By combining drone technology with other grid resilience efforts like underground line relocation and smart technology integration, Georgia Power is creating a more robust and reliable power delivery system. This holistic approach to infrastructure management sets a new standard in the utility industry.
Use of "drones" to inspect transmission lines part of company's commitment to reliability for customers
Demo B-roll link included within
"Georgia Power owns and operates almost 12,000 miles of transmission lines throughout the state, which provide power to millions of homes and businesses – inspecting and maintaining these lines is a crucial part of what we do every day," said Fran Forehand, senior vice president of Transmission for Georgia Power. "We are always looking to improve grid resiliency and operational efficiencies, which is why we implemented transmission line drone inspections to improve efficiency and safety for our teams, provide better data and reduce costs for our customers."
Historically, Georgia Power has used specialized bucket trucks and helicopter flights to reach and inspect transmission lines which are, on average, 80 to 100 miles long and 100 feet tall, with some reaching as high as 350 feet. By using drones, the company is saving significant fuel, maintenance and labor costs and, on average, drone pilots can inspect 14 miles of transmission lines per day. Georgia Power plans to review more than 15,000 structures in transmission corridors this year alone.
Georgia Power drone pilots work safely, quietly and swiftly within transmission corridors, capturing images of transmission lines and equipment. The inspection method is an even safer way to assess these high-voltage lines, while gathering high-quality, detailed photos and videos. The images are so precise they allow line inspectors to zoom in on equipment and catch any irregularities before they can become a problem.
Transmission structures are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions, but damage does occur from sources such as lightning strikes, which is actually the primary cause of damage to transmission lines. Drone pilots inspect for damage and also ensure the connections on structures are intact, which minimizes the impact of lightning strikes on transmission equipment. Other anomalies on the inspection list for main power lines include damage from vegetation and debris, erosion from the elements, and bird excrement, which can be highly acidic.
All drone assessments are completed by licensed drone pilots and comply with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations. Drone pilots are often lineworkers who have received specialized training.
"As a former lineworker who has spent countless hours in bucket trucks inspecting transmission lines, the use of drones is a gamechanger," said Nick Howell, a certified drone operator for Georgia Power. "I'm glad our company has made the investment in the technology, and in our people. Not only am I able to safely inspect transmission lines from the ground, but I'm able to better collect accurate data, share it with my team that may be miles away in some case, and ultimately get repairs done more quickly and efficiently than ever before."
In addition to utilizing advanced technology such as drones, Georgia Power's efforts to improve reliability and add grid resiliency in recent years includes rebuilding transmission lines and dozens of substations across
For more information on Georgia Power's reliability work, please visit GeorgiaPower.com/Reliability.
Editor's note:
Media can download b-roll of Georgia Power transmission line drone inspections and a company regional executive who explains this work: https://bcove.video/3S6hLyu
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of
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SOURCE Georgia Power
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