As questions continue to be raised surrounding drone sightings across the United States, local electric companies and government agencies in Riverside County say they often use drones in their day-to-day operations.
Southern California Edison says it regularly uses drone flights to inspect its power lines during daytime hours. The utility company says it does not fly at night.
In a statement to News Channel Three, SCE details its protocol for these flights:
“SCE notifications are delivered per the customer’s preferred method, as set up in their account profile: phone, email or text. We notify customers about 30 days in advance of planned power line inspections via drone, letting them know we will be in the area. SCE inspects lines with drones only during daylight hours.”
Meanwhile, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District employs ground- and air-based strategies to control mosquito populations in the Coachella Valley.
Robert Gaona, the Public Information Manager with the agency, says drones help accomplish two key goals. “One is mapping areas where we may have potential breeding, and most of this is happening out around the Salton Sea along the shoreline. And a second use of our drones is to assist our technicians in large area applications.”