JACKSON – On

Monday, Consumers Energy became the fourth energy company in the United States

to use drones to inspect power lines, equipment and wind turbines. The first

flight of the unmanned aerial vehicles was in Jackson County, Consumers

announced.

“We’re

in the process of using UAV technology on a limited basis and analyzing if it

will help improve energy service delivery,” Mary Palkovich, Consumers

Energy’s vice president of energy delivery, said in a written statement.

“Twice a year, we use a helicopter to inspect high-voltage power lines.

Using a UAV in place of a helicopter could tremendously reduce fuel use and

emissions, and our neighbors would experience a noise reduction in their

environment.”

The power

company also said drones could also be used after storms to help restore

service. Consumers Energy is cleared to use drones in Jackson, Mason and

Tuscola counties.

According to

the FAA, the company applied for permission, called a Section 333 exemption, in

December and it was granted in April.

“The

FAA found that the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA)

with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers

or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions,

carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that

the (drone) operation enabled by this exemption is in the public

interest,” the agency wrote in its approval.

Thirty-one

conditions and rules were outlined for Consumers Energy, including the drone

can’t go more than 100 m.p.h., higher than 400 feet above ground level and

within five nautical miles of an airport and can’t be operated from a moving

vehicle.

Consumers

Energy services 6.6. million people with electricity and natural gas throughout

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

U.S. Sen. Gary

Peters, who serves on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee which

oversees the Federal Aviation Administration, participated in the launch event.

“I

applaud Consumers Energy for seizing the opportunity to explore innovative and

efficient ways to serve Michigan residents,” Peters said. “In the

Senate, I am working with my colleagues to ensure more Michigan businesses can

take advantage of the benefits of UAV’s so we can integrate these technologies

into our airspace in a safe manner.”