AEP using high-tech tool in Columbus to prevent power outages

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — From law enforcement to real estate and entertainment, one high-tech tool is essential and now it is also being used to keep the energy flowing in Ohio.

American Electric Power's state-of-the-art drones are helping maintain an uninterrupted electricity supply to homes and businesses in the Buckeye State. AEP Ohio recently announced that its crews inspected 125 miles of power lines in Columbus from the sky using the remotely piloted aircraft. In a newsletter to Northwest Columbus customers, AEP noted that the effort was a preventative review of poles, wires and equipment that could lead to power outages.

“Using drones helps capture more detailed imagery to see the condition of our equipment,” said Jake Reed, project manager principal at AEP Ohio. “Once a line is inspected, we can also use that data for future improvements without needing to do as many field visits. This allows us to be more efficient with our budgets and resources.”

Beyond high-resolution cameras, the drones' infrared imaging can locate possible problems. The drones can also be helpful across areas that are difficult to access by land.

“Fallen trees and branches are one of the top causes of power outages,” an AEP Ohio spokesperson told NBC4.

Ryan Coon, technician principal at AEP Ohio and a certified drone pilot, spent time on the Northwest Columbus project to save effort on maintenance and repair time by having clear documentation on hand for review.

“Drones help us be safer and more efficient with our line inspections,” Coon said. “Drones help us capture different perspectives and vantage points of equipment that could not be seen from ground inspections.”

AEP Ohio plans to use drones to conduct 20% of scheduled inspections this year. Customers in the assessment area receive emails when the work is planned. The power company noted that drone pilots wear company-branded hard hats and high-visibility vests, carry ID badges and drive company vehicles, as well as comply with all Federal Aviation Administration commercial guidelines.

“Our drone inspections are a part of AEP Ohio’s Center for Customer Reliability, which uses technology and data to make proactive reliability improvements to the grid,” the AEP Ohio spokesperson said. “Essentially, the center helps us prevent outages before they happen. They use data from our Smart Grid and inspections to spot trends, target problems and respond to issues before they lead to a power outage. The drones are a crucial part of that.”