Electric cooperatives, including CHELCO, are increasingly turning to drones with infrared technology to enhance the safety and reliability of power supply. While CHELCO has long utilized infrared cameras to spot anomalies on equipment, the innovations with drones, equipped with high-resolution cameras and infrared sensors, provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for monitoring vast and often inaccessible power line networks.

Drones can conduct regular inspections of power lines, poles and substations, quickly identifying potential issues such as damaged equipment, vegetation encroachment and structural weaknesses. Their ability to capture detailed images and thermal data allows for early detection of problems that could lead to power outages or safety hazards.
Infrared technology plays a crucial role in this process. Infrared sensors can detect heat anomalies that are invisible to the naked eye, such as overheating transformers or faulty connections. By pinpointing these hot-spots, maintenance crews can address issues before they escalate into critical failures.

Integrating drones and infrared technology also enhances the safety of maintenance personnel by reducing the need for manual inspections in hazardous locations. This approach minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures that inspections are conducted more frequently and thoroughly.

At CHELCO and many other cooperatives, drones with infrared technology are revolutionizing the maintenance of power supply networks, leading to more reliable service, reduced downtime, and improved safety for our members, employees and the general public.