SDG&E receives approval to fly unmanned drones over facilities

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The Federal Aviation Administration granted San Diego Gas & Electric’s request to fly unmanned aircraft over their gas and electric facilities.

SDG&E plans to use the drones for inspections and emergency response damage assessments throughout their service territory.

“The utility industry is rapidly changing, and this new FAA approval is another milestone that will improve the way SDG&E conducts its operations,” said John Sowers, the company’s vice president of electric distribution operations.

Sowers said the drone technology will allow them to improve their response times to emergency situations and just improve their performance overall.

According to Sowers, the drones will be able to spot the power failures and reduce noise, costs and impact on the environment.

SDG&E is the first company to receive this kind of approval.