Commonwealth Edison Company (“ComEd”), a unit of Exelon Corporation EXC, became the first U.S. utility firm to be allowed to utilize unmanned aircraft systems (“UASs”) to inspect its electricity delivery systems. The company received the authorization to use this innovative technology from the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”).
Per the FAA’s instructions, ComEd will work closely with municipalities before flying the UASs at their territories.
ComEd is developing the technology in collaboration with Illinois Institute of Technology (“IIT”). The company intends to use the UASs to assess conditions of its transmission and distribution lines, and substations. This technology may also be used after storms to evaluate associated damage. ComEd is expected to launch the UASs in the early summer.
Once operational, the UASs will provide videos and photos through a camera and offer a thorough examination of the system by flying atop power delivery systems. Utilization of UASs will enable the company to recognize the problems before disrupting the supply of power to customers and inspect systems in remote and hazardous areas without requiring to send humans.
Currently, ComEd is investigating the use of underground robots, jointly with the Georgia Tech National Electric Energy Testing Research and Applications Center, which aims to minimize the risks for workers carrying out operations in manholes.
Exelon ensures reliability and quality of services by using modern innovative technologies and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The company’s focus on shifting its dependence on machines from its employees for risky assignments will help to minimize risk to humans.
Exelon plans to invest a total of $16 billion in the next five years, including $7.2 billion in 2015.
Exelon currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the same sector include DTE Energy Company DTE, PG&E Corporation PCG and Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. PEG, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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