NYSEG, a subsidiary of AVANGRID (NYSE: AGR), and Lockheed Martin are continuing to assess how light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology deployed in a helicopter may assist utilities in collecting information on damage to electricity delivery systems following major storms.
As weather permits during the next few weeks, Lockheed Martin will test the technology along NYSEG distribution circuits in and around Binghamton, Endicott, Union, Maine, Whitney Point and Nanticoke.
“Detailed system damage information is critical to minimizing the duration of outages and inconvenience to our customers,” said Mark S. Lynch, president and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “Working with Lockheed Martin on this innovative and promising technology could provide invaluable assistance to us in responding even more effectively to storm emergencies.”
Raw LIDAR data collected during flyovers will be passed through computer processing algorithms developed by Lockheed Martin. The automated output from the Automated Rapid Infrastructure Evaluation System (ARIES) will quickly provide NYSEG the locations and details of damage, enabling a more focused response, proper crew resourcing and accurate materials procurement.
To assist with this latest round of test flights, NYSEG personnel have simulated storm damage to poles, wires and other equipment at the company’s training facility in Johnson City.
The ARIES system is on track for release by early 2017.
