Xcel Energy Inc. has received the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval to fly unmanned aerial drones to inspect the utility’s equipment, among the 400 such permits the federal agency has issued so far.
But don’t worry about drones flying along back yard power lines just yet.
The utility (NYSE: XEL) is planning to test drones for inspecting the status of transmission lines and checking natural gas pipelines for small leaks, said Michael Lamb, Xcel’s vice president of operating services.
The…
Xcel Energy Inc. has received the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval to fly unmanned aerial drones to inspect the utility’s equipment, among the 400 such permits the federal agency has issued so far.
But don’t worry about drones flying along back yard power lines just yet.
The utility (NYSE: XEL) is planning to test drones for inspecting the status of transmission lines and checking natural gas pipelines for small leaks, said Michael Lamb, Xcel’s vice president of operating services.
The…