Maharashtra: In a first, 16 drones to inspect power lines

MUMBAI: In a first, the state-owned Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company (MSETCL) will use drones with video cameras and thermo-vision cameras to check faults in power transmission lines across the state. The drones will help MSETCL detect and quickly fix issues to ensure uninterrupted supply to nearly three crore power consumers, said officials.
MSETCL is the first power utility to get DGCA approval for powerline inspections with drones in the country, said sources.
The drone camera will be used for survey work in new projects as well and will fly at a maximum height of 50 metre, added sources. MSETCL has procured 16 drones for the project.
“It will not just be inspection of power lines but also transmission towers,” said energy minister Nitin Raut, who had pursued the drone procurement issue with the Union ministry of home affairs and Director General of Civil Aviation—both of which recently gave a green signal to the project. “Using drones can slash costs for maintenance and cut losses from outage,” he said.
An MSETCL official said drones have the potential to revolutionise inspection of power lines. “It allows for more effiencient aerial surveillance than manual. It will help detect defects at the incipient stage in transmission lines.” Drones will help maintain reliability in power supply which will majorly benefit agriculture consumers, said Dinesh Waghmare, CMD, MSETCL.