Southern Company Secures New BVLOS Waiver, Expanding UAV ROI for Energy

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From T&D World

The energy industry has just taken a major step forward in UAV technology and regulatory progress. Southern Company has become the first utility in the U.S. to secure a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 14 CFR Part 91 exemption for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations deploying SwissDrones’ technology. This milestone, achieved through a strategic partnership with Phoenix Air Unmanned, is another step forward in how energy companies deploy drones for infrastructure inspections, storm damage assessments, and operational monitoring.

What This Means for the Energy Industry

The continually expanding ability to operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) beyond visual line of sight is a requirement for making the most of the efficiencies drone programs offer. Traditionally, drone operations required a pilot or observer to maintain a direct line of sight, limiting their range and efficiency. With this new waiver, Southern Company can deploy SwissDrones’ technology over long distances without needing a human observer on-site.

For energy companies, expanding BVLOS capabilities equals:

  • Expanded Use Cases: BVLOS waivers allow drones to conduct large-scale inspections of power lines, pipelines, and substations without requiring additional personnel in the field.

  • Scalability: With fewer operational restrictions, energy firms can scale UAV inspections across vast service areas, reducing time and labor costs.

  • Greater ROI: By replacing traditional inspection methods, such as helicopters and ground-based teams, companies can save millions in operational expenses while improving efficiency and accuracy.

Enhancing Infrastructure Monitoring and Storm Response

Southern Company’s adoption of BVLOS drone operations aligns with its mission to provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy. This technology brings several benefits to them and their customers:

  • Proactive Maintenance: Drones can detect potential equipment failures before they lead to costly outages.

  • Faster Storm Damage Assessments: After severe weather events, UAVs can quickly evaluate damage, enabling a faster response to power restoration needs.

  • Minimal Community Disruption: Unlike helicopters or large inspection crews, drones operate quietly and with less intrusion into residential areas.

A Model for the Future

Southern Company’s success sets a regulatory precedent that other utilities and industrial operators can follow. The FAA’s willingness to grant Part 91 exemptions signals growing support for BVLOS technology, paving the way for broader integration of drones in critical infrastructure sectors.

“This achievement is more than a technological milestone—it’s a testament to Southern Company’s role as a trailblazer in regulatory progress,” said Kevin Brown, Southern Company’s general manager of system aviation operations.

As more companies pursue similar waivers, the energy industry will continue to unlock the full potential of UAVs, driving efficiency, safety, and cost savings at an unprecedented scale.

The Future of UAVs in Energy

With regulatory doors opening, energy firms now have a clearer pathway to leveraging BVLOS technology for a range of applications, from routine inspections to emergency response. As companies adopt these innovations, the industry will see:

  • Improved grid reliability and uptime

  • Lower operational costs compared to traditional inspection methods

  • Safer working conditions by reducing the need for human intervention in hazardous areas

Southern Company’s achievement marks a significant leap forward, but it’s just the beginning. With continued advancements in drone technology and regulatory approvals, the energy sector is on the brink of a UAV-driven transformation that promises to redefine operational efficiency and ROI.

Watch this space as BVLOS technology reshapes the future of energy infrastructure management.