Duke drones to take flight

Local Duke Energy customers are being notified to watch the skies for drones whose purpose will be to inspect overhead lines and other electrical equipment. The Duke customers’ notification reads:  “Our trained and licensed drone pilots are certified by FAA and will be in Duke Energy-branded vehicles, have company IDs and be wearing personal protective equipment.”  They are to collect only what Duke calls “necessary data to improve the safety and reliability of our electric infrastructure as a safety precaution.”