Keeping Workers Safe, Optimizing Maintenance, and Moving to the Future with Drones with Corey Hitchcock and Christina Park of Skydio [Power Perspectives Conversations at Distributech 2024]

Apr 16

In recent years, drones have emerged as symbols of innovation across a diverse set of sectors. However, the initial encounters with drones at industry conferences were characterized by curiosity and speculation about their future implications. Frequently, skeptics tended to perceive more challenges than opportunities, labeling drones as a solution in search of a problem. However, discussions with Skydio's Corey Hitchcock (Utility Solutions Specialist) and Christina Park (Senior Director of Energy Strategy) at Distributech 2024 revealed a shifting perspective on drones, especially when it comes to the power sector. As they sat down with Energy Central for an exclusive conversation, it became clear that the skepticism once associated with drones is now as outdated as is the old approach of mandating line workers to unnecessarily ascend dangerous poles.

This year at Distributech, Hitchcock and Park could be seen constantly fielding questions from people who no longer saw drones as abstract concepts but instead as actual solutions ready for their use. From the speaking session they held titled “Path to Condition Based Maintenance via Drone Solutions” to their consistently busy drone flying demonstration cage on the conference floor, these drone experts have recognized that the utility industry has finally reached that long-awaited pivot point.

As a part of this exclusive Power Perspectives Interview, Hitchcock and Park delved into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, touching upon themes such as distribution automation, operational workflow optimization, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Given that both Hitchcock and Park came directly from the world of utilities, each working at power companies before moving to Skydio, their unique experience really drives home to utility partners how and where drone programs can be force multipliers for them, not just a side program but fully integrating into utility operations.

In-Practice Opportunities from Drones for Utilities Today

No longer seen as a niche or sci-fi solution, drones are out there performing critical tasks today. The shift represents what Skydio is excited to tell customers: drones are not toys, they are tools. And the applications for those tools already in practice in the 2024 utility industry are as varied as they are valuable. Drones are already being used by utility partners in the pursuit of:

Enhanced Safety Measures: Park and Hitchcock both highlighted how drones are currently being used to inspect utility infrastructure in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas, improving safety for workers by minimizing the need for manual inspections.
Increased Operational Efficiency: They mentioned how drones are streamlining operational workflows by conducting inspections more quickly and accurately than traditional methods, thereby reducing downtime and operational costs.
Improved Asset Management: The interviewees also discussed how drones are aiding in asset management by providing utilities with real-time data on the condition of their assets, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of equipment failure. For example, Park notes “As you go down the value chain, you can see optimization tied to the drone in unexpected places, such as spare parts strategies. Traditionally, utilities waste a ton of money just taking a shot in the dark of how many spares to keep on the shelves and to try and predict when they'll be needed, but regular drone maintenance flights can eliminate that guesswork.”
Risk Mitigation and Disaster Response: Both Park and Hitchcock also touched upon how drones are assisting utilities in identifying potential risks and responding to emergencies, such as wildfires or storm damage, more rapidly and effectively, thereby minimizing the impact on operations and customers. In fact, the week of Distributech 2024 saw the Smokehouse Creek Fire, a record-setting wildfire in the state of Texas thought to be tied to downed power lines. With drones making maintenance quicker, safer, and cheaper, minimizing the risk of equipment failure that leads to such disasters can be revolutionary.
Regulatory Compliance: Lastly, the Skydio experts mentioned how drones are helping utilities comply with regulatory requirements, such as FAC-008 in substations, by providing detailed documentation of inspections and maintenance activities, ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.
Data-Driven Decisions: Finally, both Park and Hitchcock underscore the importance of data-driven decision-making enabled by drones. "Drones provide utilities with objective, quantifiable measurements that serve as a baseline for future improvements," noted Park. This data-driven approach helps utilities adapt to changing technologies and market demands, ultimately driving operational efficiency and success.