SP Electricity North West is trialling cutting-edge drone technology to help restore power faster, improve network resilience and enhance customer service.
From November, the power network operator will roll out its Visual Overhead Line Tracking (VOLT) programme across areas of Cumbria.
The technology will see remotely operated drones utilise AI analytics which will transform how damage to overhead power lines is identified and managed on the network.
The 12-month trial will take place across areas of Carlisle and Kirkby Stephen. The drones will particularly be used after weather events where areas can become hard to reach due to blocked roads, which will enhance SP Electricity North West's response.
Martin Tejada, innovation project manager at SP Electricity North West, said: "We're constantly looking for new ways to deliver a better service for our customers, and the VOLT project has the potential to be a game-changer.
"By combining advanced drone technology and AI analytics, we can identify issues faster meaning improved response times and quicker restorations, particularly in those hard-to-reach areas.
"The project also helps us identify any potential damage before it becomes permanent, meaning a safer and more resilient service for the communities we serve."
VOLT has been funded through Ofgem's Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) with the aim of improving fault detection, response times, and the continuous monitoring of electrical assets. The technology will allow SP Electricity North West teams to respond quicker, reduce costs and improve safety for its teams in the field.
At the start of the trial, drones will be deployed at substations in Cumbria and will be readily available, 24/7.
The live data captured will be streamed directly into SP Electricity North West's control room and analysed using eSmart Systems Grid Vision software. The AI-powered software will help quickly identify any issues and assess asset condition following bad weather, enabling engineers to prioritise repairs and restore supplies to customers more efficiently.
As well as being used in fault response, the drones will also carry out proactive inspections of overhead lines. Visual and thermal data will be collected, and the technology can identify damaged assets and potential disruption from damaged trees and branches that may get too close to lines.
The project has the potential to reduce reliance on traditional foot patrols and helicopter surveys, giving a quicker and more efficient response while providing SP Electricity North West with a comprehensive digital view of network health to support predictive maintenance and improve long-term reliability.
For the project, SP Electricity North West has partnered with Skyports Drone Services, who will remotely operate the drones, and eSmartSystems, whose AI technology will be utilised to analyse the electrical assets.
