(Editor’s Note: The following article was sequestered from a posting composed from a letter from Xcel Energy and previous article.

In a letter sent out to Becker property owners two weeks ago, Xcel Energy representatives advised their customers that starting in late April, the company will be inspecting electric  transmission lines via an unmanned drone.

Xcel says the drone has proven to be a safe and cost-effective way to inspect transmission lines, but they warn property owners to stay away from the vehicle and never stand directly below its flight path.

Siting and Land Rights Agent Brian Sullivan of Xcel Energy said, due to many variables — most notably the weather — Xcel cannot provide an inspection date, but he says the inspection most likely will commence in late April and continue through the summer months.

Back in 2019, Xcel Energy was granted an expanded waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow the use of drones over helicopters for its inspections. The waiver allows flight beyond visual line of sight, meaning the drone can fly beyond where the pilot on the ground can see it. Xcel says they have proven to the FAA it can safely operate drones beyond line of sight.