The Boise-based technology company is using custom drones to install sensors on some of the utility’s transmission lines to provide essential data that can make energy transmission more efficient.
BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Power and Boise-based Pitch Aeronautics are launching a high-tech project that could increase the utility’s ability to safely and reliably increase the amount of power they can move across existing transmission lines, especially during periods of high demand.
The dynamic line rating (DLR) project is part of the Department of Energy’s $8.4 million investment in grid-enhancing technologies, which aims to increase the use and reliability of existing transmission lines. When complete, this project will be among the largest deployments of DLR in the United States.
DLR addresses a long-standing problem — the inability to use transmission lines to their fullest capacity without overloading them. Transmission lines are the superhighways of electricity, moving power across long distances from where it’s produced to where it’s used.
Electricity running through those transmission lines heats up the conductors, causing the lines to sag. Hot summer temperatures, especially in desert regions, can make the problem worse. On the other hand, wind can cool the lines, enabling them to safely carry more electricity. Line ratings indicate how much energy can be safely transmitted under certain conditions.
That’s where DLR comes in. Standard weather reports are not granular or localized enough to identify the weather along a long transmission line. In this project, Pitch Aeronautics is using custom drones to install their combined weather and line-sag sensor on Idaho Power transmission lines. Those sensors can relay real-time weather data, like temperature, humidity, and wind speed, to a software tool that uses additional weather models to pinpoint conditions along the line. This can give operators more confidence in the line’s ability to safely and effectively transmit energy.
“Using our existing transmission infrastructure more efficiently benefits the company and our customers. It supports our commitment to provide energy safely and reliably in the most cost-effective way,” said Mitch Colburn, Idaho Power’s Vice President of Planning, Engineering, and Construction. “Working with another local company is beneficial because they understand the terrain and the weather conditions that impact our system,” Colburn added.
The first sensors were successfully deployed on March 21 in the Hagerman Valley. Over the next two and a half years, 35 sensors will be installed.
“We’re proud to work with Idaho Power on one of the nation’s largest DLR deployments,” said Ian Gibson, Co-Founder of Pitch Aeronautics. “By delivering hyper-local weather forecasts and line data, our drone-installed sensors and AI-powered software tools help utilities enhance grid visibility, operate more safely, and deliver more reliable service to the communities they serve. We’re excited to be a part of that!”
Media note: Pictures and video are available by request.
About Idaho Power
Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company has a long history of safely providing reliable, affordable, clean energy. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s residential, business, and agricultural customers pay among the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,100 employees proudly serve more than 650,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always, and respect for all.
IDACORP Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho Power’s independent publicly traded parent company, is also headquartered in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, visit idahopower.com or idacorpinc.com.
About Pitch Aeronautics
Based in Boise, Idaho, Pitch Aeronautics develops advanced installation drones, power line sensors, and data analytics platforms to enhance power grid operations and planning.
Contacts:
Brad Bowlin
Communications Specialist
208-388-2803
bbowlin@idahopower.com
Ian Gibson
Co-Founder and COO, Pitch Aeronautics
208-917-2861
Ian.gibson@pitchaero.com