As part of our aggressive efforts to protect our customers and communities from catastrophic wildfires, our company launched a program in 2019 to leverage drone technology for electrical equipment inspection. The initiative is called the Drone Investigation, Assessment & Repair (DIAR) Program.
DIAR is a stand-alone pilot program to assist and enhance the evaluation of SDG&E’s overhead electric distribution lines and poles located in the highest fire risk threat areas – the Tier 3 and Tier 2 High Fire Threat Districts, which encompass San Diego’s rural inland valleys, foothills and mountainous communities.
Historically, SDG&E’s electric infrastructure has been inspected by ground crews and helicopters, which presented some challenges. The use of drones improves that process in so many ways. Fire prone communities tend to be in hard to reach areas that would usually require treacherous hiking and the use of helicopters. Because drones are equipped with powerful cameras and can fly close to the powerlines and equipment, the technology enables crews to get a closer look and bird’s eye view of the condition of our facilities. If damage is found, crews will prioritize repairs in those areas.
Learn more at sdge.com/wildfiresafety.