DMEA Conducting UTV Line Inspections in July & August
Throughout July and August, Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) crews will work alongside Fast Forward, a technology company specializing in utility inspections, to conduct annual inspections of power poles and overhead electrical equipment in rural portions of Montrose and Delta counties.
Using the Fast Forward Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), technicians will travel existing utility rights-of-way to capture high-resolution images and thermal data of DMEA's electrical system. The inspections are part of DMEA's ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable electric grid and proactively identifying equipment that may require maintenance or replacement.
Fast Forward's inspection platform combines high-speed imaging, artificial intelligence, and thermal technology to inspect thousands of utility poles each week. The system automatically analyzes images of poles, crossarms, insulators, transformers, and other electrical equipment to identify potential issues that may not be visible during a traditional visual inspection.
By identifying potential problems early, DMEA can prioritize repairs, improve system reliability, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected power interruptions.
"Investing in advanced inspection technology allows us to find potential issues before they become outages," said Cody Carver, DMEA’s Chief Operations Officer. "This proactive approach helps us improve reliability for our members."
Inspection activities will occur during daylight hours throughout July and August. Members may see the Fast Forward UTV traveling near power lines in rural areas. The work is non-invasive, and no action is required from members.
Annual inspections are a key part of DMEA's comprehensive asset management program, helping to ensure that more than 3,400 miles of electric distribution lines continue to serve members safely and reliably throughout Montrose and Delta counties.
To learn more about Fast Forward's utility inspection technology, visit https://ff-ai.com/solutions.
