Consumers Energy Launches New Inspection Drone

JACKSON, MI (WHTC) – Consumers Energy unveiled a new drone program in which “unmanned aerial vehicles” would be used on a limited basis to inspect wind turbines and other above-ground equipment such as poles and transformers. Utility officials claim that this could result in quicker service restoration following storms, along with reducing costs and the “carbon footprint” resulting from conventional inspections. Consumers is one of four energy companies nationwide allowed by the FAA to use such drones.