How local agencies, utility companies use drones over Riverside County

As questions continue to be raised surrounding drone sightings across the United States, local electric companies and government agencies in Riverside County say they often use drones in their day-to-day operations.

Southern California Edison says it regularly uses drone flights to inspect its power lines during daytime hours. The utility company says it does not fly at night.

In a statement to News Channel Three, SCE details its protocol for these flights:

"SCE notifications are delivered per the customer's preferred method, as set up in their account profile: phone, email or text. We notify customers about 30 days in advance of planned power line inspections via drone, letting them know we will be in the area. SCE inspects lines with drones only during daylight hours."

Meanwhile, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District employs ground- and air-based strategies to control mosquito populations in the Coachella Valley.

Robert Gaona, the Public Information Manager with the agency, says drones help accomplish two key goals. "One is mapping areas where we may have potential breeding, and most of this is happening out around the Salton Sea along the shoreline. And a second use of our drones is to assist our technicians in large area applications."

Gaona says the drones used by the Vector Control District are large and can carry up to 25 pounds of granules – larvicides that kill mosquito larvae before they begin to fly or breed.

The District says it routinely operates on the northern shores of the Salton Sea – near Mecca and North Shore – but like Southern California Edison, does not fly its drones at night.

"Usually, all of our work is done during the workday, so during the hours between 8:00 to 2:00. It would be a little hard for these to be seen as they are done along the shoreline," Gaona explains.

All of these operations take place far from residential areas and main roadways.

"If people happened to be out around that area, they would typically see our vehicles, our trucks, our technicians and our pilots before they even see the drones."