ComEd, a unit of Exelon Corporation, is an energy company based in Chicago that powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois. While not a direct player in space technology manufacturing or launch services, ComEd plays a vital role in providing the energy infrastructure necessary for the space industry to operate. They are involved in initiatives that support the growth of energy-efficient businesses and ensure a skilled workforce is available to support the energy needs of various industries, including those involved in space-related activities. ComEd also partners with data center companies, providing infrastructure upgrades and substations to power data center campuses.
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The operational waivers will enable FAA-certified ComEd pilots to use enhanced drones for routine equipment inspection.
ComEd crews will test remote drone monitoring solutions using new Skydio Drone Dock technology to enable safe, cost-effective on-site and on-demand surveillance capabilities.
Drones in ComEd's Drone Dock program will be equipped with a high-resolution camera and thermography tools.
The Federal Aviation Administration permits ComEd to request operational waivers that allow pilots to remotely operate drones without a visual line of sight.
ComEd's certified pilots will operate drones remotely from any location across northern Illinois.
The expansion of ComEd's drone program builds upon over a decade of innovative work to strengthen and modernize the utility system.
Remote monitoring by drone will increase ComEd's ability to rapidly inspect equipment throughout its service territory.
Remote, off-site flying capabilities will limit the time ComEd's drone pilots are physically needed in the field.
ComEd uses drones to inspect power lines and assess storm damage to enable quicker power restoration.
In 2022, ComEd began using drones to support vegetation management.
This pilot program helps ComEd manage invasive and unwanted vegetation along its transmission powerlines.
The first drone deployment of herbicide occurred on two acres of ComEd right-of-way land in Forest View, Illinois in late August.
Drones operated by the Davey Resource Group are designed to deploy ComEd’s EPA-approved herbicide mixture.