Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Fairfield Electric using drones?
Fairfield Electric is looking into the future by using drones to inspect power lines and electrical equipment more safely and efficiently while evaluating new technology. These inspections help identify potential issues early, before they lead to outages, equipment failure or wildfire risk.
What exactly are the drones inspecting?
The drones are being used to inspect utility poles, wires and electrical equipment on Fairfield Electric’s system. They photograph equipment from above and from the sides to help identify defects that may not be visible from the ground.
Are the drones inspecting homes or private property?
No. The inspections are focused on Fairfield Electric power lines and electrical equipment. Crews are not conducting surveillance of homes or private activities.
Will the drone fly over my house?
The drone work focuses on poles, wires, and electrical equipment along Fairfield Electric’s right-of-way. In some cases, a drone may be visible from nearby properties while it is inspecting equipment, but the purpose of the work is to inspect utility infrastructure, not homes or yards.
What will members see during inspections?
Members may see a drone flying near utility poles, along with a marked vehicle in the area. The work is being completed by Voltair, a certified contractor working on behalf of Fairfield Electric. The drone typically flies near poles and may spend a few minutes at each structure.
Who is conducting the inspections?
Fairfield Electric has partnered with Voltair, a certified drone inspection contractor, to perform aerial inspections of distribution and transmission infrastructure. Each drone is operated by an FAA-licensed pilot.
How do I know this is legitimate and not a scam?
Fairfield Electric and Voltair crews will be working in marked vehicles and will carry identification and official contractor credentials. Members can also verify the work by calling Fairfield Electric directly or visiting the official webpage listed in Co-op communications. Fairfield Electric and Voltair will never ask for payment, banking information, or account credentials in connection with these inspections.
Will my power go out during inspections?
No service interruption is expected during drone inspections. Work is routine inspection and does not require an outage.
Will crews come onto my property?
Inspection crews will utilize Fairfield Electric’s existing rights of way around its electric infrastructure, including easements on private property. If conditions require additional access, members will be notified.
How long will inspections take in my area?
Each pilot typically spends about 10 minutes at a pole, though the total time in an area will vary depending on the number of structures, terrain, weather, and access conditions.
When will inspections happen?
Drone inspections in the Taylors Chapel area are planned for August. Timing may vary depending on weather, terrain, and access.
Why not just inspect lines from the ground?
Traditional foot patrol inspections are still effective, but they can be time-consuming, more costly, and more difficult in rugged or remote terrain. Drone inspections allow crews to assess infrastructure more quickly and safely, while improving visibility of equipment from angles that are not available from the ground.
How do drones improve safety?
Drone inspections reduce the need for manual climbing and can reduce time spent working around energized equipment in remote locations. That helps improve safety for crews while still allowing the co-op to inspect critical infrastructure thoroughly.
How do drone inspections help reduce wildfire risk?
Drone inspections help identify damaged or deteriorating equipment before it fails. Repairing defects early can reduce the chance of equipment-related ignitions and also help prevent outages.
Are you storing photos of my property?
The purpose of the inspection is to collect images of utility infrastructure for maintenance and reliability purposes. Crews are focused on capturing photos of poles and equipment, not private homes or personal property. Imagery will be retained and disposed of securely, as required, exclusively for maintenance and reliability inspection purposes.
What should I do if I am concerned about a drone near my property?
If you have questions or concerns, call Fairfield Electric at 800-628-0336. Staff can confirm whether inspection work is taking place in your area.
Do I need to do anything when inspections are taking place?
No. Members do not need to take any action. Drone inspections are part of routine infrastructure assessment, and no service interruption is expected.
