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PPL to use drones to check power lines

ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. – PPL Utilities just added a high-tech tool to its bag. The company recently purchased three drones to survey power lines throughout Ce...

ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. - PPL Utilities just added a high-tech tool to its bag. The company recently purchased three drones to survey power lines throughout Central Pennsylvania. Each drone is operated by two people-- one for the drone itself, and the other to run the mounted camera.

The FAA gave PPL the clearance to fly the crones back in April. The utility company says the drones will do multiple tasks for them.

"What the drone gives us, is that added flexibility to examine a power line or the equipment on it  without having to employ a larger helicopter, a manned helicopter," Joe Nixon with PPL Utilities said.  "So, it's going to be a good tool for us  and something that really promises to be much more efficient."

PPL says the drones will be used to survey major damage after severe weather.

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