In a press release distributed Tuesday, city officials explained that "Ukiah Electric Utility staff will be using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to inspect the city's distribution lines, transmission lines and substation equipment across the city's service territory."
As for when the inspections will occur, the release explains only that they will "begin in May and continue throughout the year as weather permits between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is an ongoing program and will be continued on a yearly basis."
The city has yet to respond to a request for a photograph of the equipment being used.
The May 9 press release further explains that "periodic inspection of electric infrastructure ensures continued monitoring of equipment and vegetation to prevent unplanned outages. (The UAVs) allow personnel to get an up-close look at the lines, connections and equipment to detect potential hazards. If repairs are required on power lines located on private property, city Utility staff will schedule work with the property owner."
Officials also note that "residents may see certified Unmanned Aircraft System pilots conducting aerial inspections of electric equipment throughout the city," and ask that they "please do not disturb personnel while they are conducting the inspections, (which are) documented through high-resolution pictures, which are reviewed by system maintenance and engineering staff."
As for the pictures being taken by the equipment, the city advises that "although UAVs may need to be flown over some public and private properties, any images collected during these inspections will be used only by city of Ukiah staff to evaluate the condition of the electrical infrastructure."
Further questions regarding the Electric System Inspections Program should be directed to Diann Lucchetti, Program Coordinator at 707-467-5711 or at dlucchetti@cityofukiah.com.
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