Advanced technology to capture high-quality, actionable data in support of system modernization
In an effort to continually improve service to its customers, NIPSCO announces the use of advanced drone technology to help the company identify potential deficiencies that need to be repaired and maintained throughout its energy infrastructure.
Drone technology is a small-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that is flown by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercially licensed pilot. It will be used to produce detailed aerial images and sensor data of overhead power lines, electrical substations, transmission towers and vegetation clearance needs within utility right-of-ways.
The company has contracted PrecisionHawk, LLC who has a team of experienced UAS pilots, engineers and project managers that will conduct over 30 miles of initial inspections in Hobart, Merrillville and Valparaiso in Lake and Porter Counties during the fourth quarter of this year, with plans to conduct more inspections in the future.
The inspection routes will be identified in advance and limited to airspace near NIPSCO power line s - typically flown between 50 feet to 100 feet above ground level. The licensed operator will be located no more than one-fourth of a mile away from the drone.
Inspection routes may require drones to be flown over public and private property. The company will not take video of the selected inspection routes, nor will it sell any of the information collected to outside companies.
Current FAA regulations will be followed while conducting flight inspections. Drones will only be flown during daylight hours and will not fly directly over anyone. All of the companies’ flight plans will be coordinated with authorities and airports prior to the execution of each flight inspection.
NIPSCO would like to remind the public that it is unlawful to interfere with drone operations or attempt to damage a drone during a flight operation.
About NIPSCO: Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, has proudly served the energy needs of northern Indiana for more than 100 years. As Indiana’s largest natural gas distribution company and the second-largest electric distribution company, NIPSCO serves approximately 820,000 natural gas and 470,000 electric customers across 32 counties. NIPSCO is part of NiSource’s (NYSE: NI) six regulated utility companies. NiSource is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.7 million natural gas and electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about NIPSCO and NiSource is available at NIPSCO.com and NiSource.com.