Flying drones is a safer, more efficient way to install devices that help boaters and wildlife identify and avoid electric distribution lines.
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When they’re not flying missions all over central Maryland or inspiring the next generation of certified drone pilots, BGE’s growing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) team collaborates with colleagues across the company to identify opportunities to perform critical gas and electric operations more safely and more efficiently. Energy equipment is generally out of reach and difficult to access from the ground–an ideal scenario where drones can help.
That’s why the UAS team’s innovative solution for marking overwater electric distribution lines was a natural fit. The markers are an additional step BGE is taking to help boaters on Maryland waterways avoid contact with electric wires. Without drones, the process for hanging bright-colored markers on power lines is expensive, protracted, and requires a litany of safety measures. Among the logistical complexities: loading a bucket truck onto a barge.
All unnecessary (save for the safety measures) thanks to BGE UAS pilots. They can do the work from the shoreline with a handheld remote control that operates their drone and a special drone attachment designed specifically for this tedious task.
See them in action:
More information on boat safety around power lines is available at bge.com.