How to Prevent Power Outages and Improve Public Safety with Inspections

5-minute read

In this article:

• Discover the importance of proactive outage prevention for co-ops backed with U.S. outage stats.
• See how Constellation Clearsight tech safeguards infrastructure via proactive checks.
• Explore outage risks impacting life, business, health and power’s vital community role.

In today’s world, where electricity is one of the cornerstones of our communities, ensuring the reliability of our electric infrastructure is paramount. For electric cooperatives, this responsibility is even more critical. It’s clear that maintaining a stable power supply is of the utmost importance.

A recent study shows the scope and impact of power outages in the U.S. from 2018 to 2020. It unveils an annual average of 520 million customer-hours without power across 2,447 counties, or 73.7% of the nation.

Notably, 17,484 outages exceeded eight hours. These outages extend far beyond mere numbers; they possess a geographical imprint, with the Northeastern, Southern, and Appalachian counties particularly bearing the brunt. This is where regular infrastructure inspections come into play, and where Constellation Clearsight, an advanced digital inspections solution company, can become your most valuable companion.

The Importance of Regular Infrastructure Inspections

Regular infrastructure inspections are a crucial part of maintaining the health of your electric cooperative’s infrastructure. They allow you to identify potential issues before they escalate into full-blown problems that could disrupt power supply.

With Clearsight’s advanced digital inspection services, you can take advantage of cutting-edge technology like drones and AI-powered analytics to inspect your infrastructure. This technology can detect issues that might be missed by the human eye, such as hairline fractures in power poles or corrosion on transmission lines.

By identifying these issues early, you can schedule maintenance or replacements at a convenient time, rather than dealing with unexpected outages. This proactive approach not only ensures a more reliable power supply but also saves your cooperative money in the long run by avoiding costly emergency repairs.

The Risks and Issues of Power Outages

Power outages pose significant risks to electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. Here are some of the key risks associated with power outages:

• Disruption of Daily Life: Power outages can disrupt daily routines, from cooking and cleaning to entertainment and communication. This can cause significant inconvenience and stress for those in the communities.
• Business Interruptions: Businesses rely heavily on electricity to operate. Power outages can halt operations, leading to lost revenue and productivity.
• Safety Risks: Power outages can pose serious safety risks. For example, they can disable security systems, leaving homes and businesses vulnerable. They can also affect street lighting and traffic signals, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Erosion of Trust: Frequent or prolonged power outages can erode trust in your cooperative. Members may question the reliability of their service and consider alternative energy providers. This can lead to a loss of revenue and damage the cooperative’s reputation in the community.
• Health Risks: For the elderly or those with medical conditions, a power outage can be a life-threatening situation if they rely on electrically-powered medical devices.

By understanding these risks, you can better appreciate the importance of regular infrastructure inspections in preventing power outages and ensuring the reliability of your service.

The Community Impact of Reliable Power Supply

A reliable power supply is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity. It powers our homes, our businesses, and our public services. When the power supply is reliable, communities thrive. Businesses can operate without interruption, students can learn without disruption, and public services can function effectively.

Recent debilitating storms across the nation underscore the urgency of bolstering infrastructure to withstand extreme weather challenges. Cost concerns are a common deterrent to proactive maintenance, but experts such as Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, emphasize that investing in resilient infrastructure is an imperative step to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.

By working with Clearsight for regular infrastructure inspections, you can proactively improve the resilience of your power supply, prevent disruptive outages, maintain trust with your members, and contribute to the overall success of your community.

Constellation Clearsight Case Study

In the face of harsh weather and tough terrain, our drones efficiently mapped out transformers, bringing positive change to a small utility in North-Central Pennsylvania struggling with frequent outages.

Read Case Study

Bottom Line

Regular infrastructure inspections are an essential part of maintaining a reliable power supply. They allow you to identify and address potential issues before they cause outages, saving your cooperative money. With Clearsight’s advanced digital inspection solutions, you can take this proactive approach to the next level.

Remember, a reliable power supply isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about powering the success of your community.