Project Overview

Research objectives and focus

Objectives

  • Identify high-value applications enabled under Part 108 rules, and the technologies that are available to execute those operations
  • Develop implementation guides to equip utilities to accelerate BVLOS programs and operations under Part 108
  • Create an industry-wide repository of case studies, lessons learned, and demonstration results for BVLOS operations
  • Demonstrate BVLOS operaitons for T&D applications
  • Create tech briefs and educational material on emerging technologies that may be operationalized under Part 108
  • Create an online repository of experience and technical information for drone program managers to use to develop their programs or adapt their programs to Part 108 operations.

The project aims to generate actionable insights to support BVLOS readiness and safe deployment at scale. Public benefits may include faster outage response, more efficient inspections, and reduced vehicle travel which could lead to lower costs and improved grid resilience.

Benefits

Public Benefits – BVLOS UAS missions may allow utilities to respond faster to power outages, reduce vehicle travel to remote sites, and improve inspection efficiency. Downstream benefits for the public may include increased reliability, lower carbon emissions, and potentially reduced electricity costs.

Funder Benefits – Participants will gain a clearer understanding of Part 108 BVLOS requirements, operations, and technology options. The project will help utilities prepare for operations under Part 108, manage institutional knowledge, and improve operational efficiency through testing and industry guidance.

Project Approach and Summary

This project helps electric utilities prepare for BVLOS operations under the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule. It builds on prior BVLOS waiver experience and aligns with anticipated regulatory changes. The approach includes:

  • Analyze T&D use cases – Assess how key T&D applications could be executed under Part 108, and the technologies required to enable these operations. Create an online tool to assist utilities in understanding how T&D applications and Part 108 provisions relate.
  • Identify available technologies – Identify technologies that could be used to execute T&D missions under Part 108, then create a database of these technologies.
  • Create an experience library – Interview and document lessons learned from utilities that have BVLOS experience.
  • Develop implementation guide – Create example documents, templates, program structures, and training material that Part 108 may require.
  • Test key T&D Applications – Document field tests of key T&D applications across the industry. Examples of these applications could include Long-distance transmission patrols, comprehensive transmission structure inspection, substation inspection, distribution patrols, night operations, shielded operations, multiple drones from a single flight coordinator, and short BVLOS flights (1-2 miles).
  • Create testing briefs on emerging technologies – Identify emerging technologies, such as alternative fuels, vehicle docks, and line charging, which may be practical to implement under Part 108 operations.

Deliverables

The results of this project will be delivered through a website containing:

  • Application Assessment Tool
  • Implementation Guide and Example Documentation
  • Library of Case Studies and Lessons Learned
  • Database of Established and Emerging Technologies
  • Results from Demonstrations and Laboratory Testing

Project Status and Schedule

This project is expected to last 18 months upon kickoff. Some deliverables are expected in early 2026. Field testing is dependent upon external factors, primarily the release of the Final Rule.

Who Should Join

Electric utilities that are interested in advancing UAS operations, operating BVLOS drones, or incorporating new inspection technologies into T&D asset management. Specific stakeholders include: UAS program managers, asset managers, and emergency response leaders.

Contact Information

For more information, contact the EPRI Customer Assistance Center at 800.313.3774 (askepri@epri.com).