Hawaiian Electric Deploys Drones for Wildfire Prevention Inspections

Hawaiian Electric is taking to the skies with Drone Technology to enhance its Wildfire safety strategy. The utility company is using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to inspect electrical infrastructure in areas at risk of wildfire across the Big Island, Maui, and Oʻahu.

Eyes in the Sky

The drones will buzz and hover over neighborhoods, providing a bird’s-eye view of power lines and poles. This aerial approach allows Hawaiian Electric to spot potential issues more quickly and efficiently than traditional ground-based inspections.

“An Osmose drone operator flies a drone to inspect electric lines as a wildfire safety measure,” Hawaiian Electric stated, highlighting the collaboration with Osmose, a utility services company serving the U.S. and Canada.

Inspection Details

Here’s what residents can expect:

• Inspections typically run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday (with possible Sunday operations if needed)
• Personnel will be in marked vehicles or wear company-issued gear
• All staff will carry proper ID badges
• Inspections focus on poles and power lines, not homes or businesses
• The work won’t disrupt electric service

Community Awareness

Hawaiian Electric is emphasizing transparency and communication with the public. They’ve provided contact numbers for questions:

• Hawaiian Electric: 808-969-6999
• Osmose: 559-515-3840 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday)

DroneXL’s Take

This proactive use of drone technology for wildfire prevention aligns with a growing trend in utility inspection practices. We’ve seen similar drone inspection strategies employed by power companies across the country, proving that UAVs are becoming an essential tool in infrastructure management and disaster prevention.

The efficiency and safety benefits of drone inspections are clear. They allow for close-up views of hard-to-reach areas without putting human inspectors at risk. As climate change increases wildfire risks in many regions, we expect to see more utilities adopting this approach.

What are your thoughts on using drones for wildfire prevention? Share your opinion in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​