GULF POWER DRONE PROGRAM

Gulf Power is about to begin a drone inspection program in hopes of preventing power outages before they happen. The program is expected to begin the last week in February and will use drones equipped with both infrared and regular cameras. They will inspect feeder lines from Panama City to Pensacola. Gulf Power spokesman Gordon Paulus said Gulf Power’s sister company, Florida Power & Light, has been using drone technology for several years in South Florida. The program will run until June 1st, the start of hurricane season, and then resume when the season ends on November 30th.