Eversource is required to inspect its transmission equipment in order to maintain the reliability of the electric grid. The Company is going to begin utilizing a more innovative technology to accomplish this regulatory requirement - we will be utilizing drones. The drones are approximately 2 feet across, equipped with a camera, and manned by drone operators on the ground within the right of way.
The use of drones:
- Saves customers money by being a more cost-effective method of inspection than helicopters or airplanes.
- Allows a for better quality inspection especially in those areas that are difficult to access such as environmentally sensitive areas.
Property owners along the rights of ways can be confident that the Eversource contractors are all FAA licensed and they will respect the privacy of the abutters. The drones will stay within the right of way boundaries. The drone inspections will be combined with foot inspections and the teams will have a minimum of two people working together. Work hours will be Monday through Saturday 7 am to 7 pm.
- In the Town of Agawam, the inspections will be taking place along the right of way near the area from Marla Place, Oakridge Drive, Barry St., Pine St., S Westfield St., Shoemaker Lane, Moylan Lane, Silver St., Lakeview Circle, Tennis Rd, Rt. 57, Cooper St., Lancaster Drive, Rowley St., Springfield St., Feeding Hills Rd., North Westfield St., Marlene Drive, Parkledge Drive, North St., Colemore St., Barberry Lane, Homer St., Broz Terrace, Shibley Court, Arnold St., Cleveland St., McKinley St., Columbus St., and Suffield St.
- https://www.eversource.com/content/wma/residential/outages/avoiding-an-outage/drone