As part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric is using drones, for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas on Hawai‘i Island, Maui County and O‘ahu.
The technology enables Hawaiian Electric to quickly identify issues to prevent or lessen the risk of wildfires.
On Hawai‘i Island, Hawaiian Electric has contracted with Osmose to conduct drone inspections, alongside the company’s own staff. Inspections typically will be conducted Mondays through Saturdays, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. If necessary, inspections occasionally may be conducted on Sundays. Personnel will drive Hawaiian Electric or Osmose marked company vehicles. If on foot, the drone operator will wear a Hawaiian Electric or Osmose company-branded hard hat and vest. All personnel carry a Hawaiian Electric contractor or employee identification badge.
The inspections are performed at the poles and power lines, and no one will request to enter a home or business. There may be instances where the operator must enter private property, like a yard, to access a utility pole. In these instances, the operator will make their presence known before accessing equipment located on private property. Electric service will not be impacted.
For questions, contact Hawaiian Electric at 808-969-6999.
Photo credit: Hawaiian Electric
