Case Studies
Accelerated Transmission Aerial Patrol
Entering the critical time of year for expected fierce Diablo Winds, Clear Path was contacted by a large IOU to perform an accelerated off cycle aerial patrol of 6,800 miles of NERC regulated transmission lines before the critical months of September and October 2021 when Diablo winds were expected to occur.
The client’s concern was two-fold:
- The state was experiencing higher than expected energy demand loading transmission lines to near capacity
- Signs of extensive tree mortality due to several years of drought. A tree taking down one of these critical lines with high loads during a Diablo wind event, could result in catastrophic grid failure and cascading blackouts across Western States, BC Canada, and Northwest Mexico.
Accelerated Transmission Aerial Patrol Strategy
With eight weeks to perform this work, Clear Path prepared a detailed plan that included:
- Mapping and scheduling all lines to be patrolled
- Coordinating logistics, helicopters, landing and fueling areas
- Staffing central PMO coordination and flight personnel to include training observer and recorder
- Data collection mechanism
- Protocols for ground truthing and hazard mitigation
Flights began two weeks after first contact with all lines scheduled for completion six weeks later.
Accelerated Transmission Aerial Patrol Results
The aerial patrol was completed on schedule and within budget. The client was provided with daily patrol results and a final report in electronic format along with all mitigations performed.