Enwin Utilities is now operating a drone to help with visual inspections of hydro poles and other infrastructure.
As part of a pilot project two employees have been trained to fly the drone. For the purchase of the equipment and to receive proper certification the project cost Enwin around $3,000.
Manager of Distribution Jim St. Louis says the equipment is particularly useful in emergency situations as they experienced when surveying the damage from the tornado two weeks ago.
"Our vision was, in the case of a storm like that, streets are impassable or things like that we can get up, get video footage back to the control room and command centre and then make decisions on the fly," says Jim St. Louis, manager of distribution.
Day-to-day, the drone, will be used for regular inspection of equipment in difficult to reach areas.
"We can get into spots that you might not be able to get at, or get a different angle. Great for tree encroachment or bushy areas," says drone operator Jean Pepin.
St. Louis expects the drone will save Enwin money in the long run because they will not have to send as many bucket trucks out for inspections.
