Fairfield Electric Cooperative will use drone technology beginning Aug. 10 to inspect power lines and electrical equipment, helping maintain safe, reliable service.

The co-op has partnered with Voltair, a certified utility inspection contractor, to evaluate equipment across its service territory. The inspections will help identify issues such as cracked insulators, damaged crossarms and encroaching vegetation so the co-op can address them before they cause outages or other hazards.

Voltair will inspect equipment within the co-op’s rights-of-way in the Taylors Chapel area. Work is expected to take up to two weeks, depending on weather.

Drones capture high-resolution images of equipment that can be difficult to see from the ground, including the tops of poles. This helps the co-op identify and repair potential hazards before they lead to outages or wildfire risks. Traditional ground inspections remain effective, but they can take longer, cost more and be more challenging in remote areas.

Residents may see small drones hovering near power poles for about 10 minutes at a time. Inspection teams will travel in vehicles clearly marked with Fairfield Electric and Voltair signage, and personnel will carry official photo identification.

Inspection crews will use the co-op’s existing rights-of-way around electric infrastructure, including easements on private property. Members will be notified if additional access is needed.

The co-op understands and respects members’ privacy. The drones are industrial tools used only for maintenance, not surveillance. Crews will focus solely on inspecting and photographing co-op equipment within the utility right-of-way, not private property.

The inspections will not affect electric service.

For more information about the aerial inspection program, including frequently asked questions, visit fairfield.coop/drones.