Boise, ID — Pitch Aeronautics and Idaho Power are excited to announce the launch of a pioneering dynamic line rating (DLR) project funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This initiative is part of DOE's $8.4 million investment in Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs), which aims to increase utilization and reliability of existing transmission lines. When complete, this demonstration will be among the largest deployments of DLR in the United States.
Electricity flow through power lines is often constrained by conductors heating up and sagging to pre-defined safety clearances to the ground. DLR technologies address this by incorporating deployed weather stations, line sag sensors, and weather forecasts to account for wind cooling effects. This improves transmission line safety and can increase power capacity.
In this project, Pitch Aeronautics is using its custom drone, Astria, to install WireWarrior, Pitch’s combined weather and line sag sensor, on Idaho Power’s transmission lines. Pitch’s WireWeather software integrates this sensor data with weather stations and forecasts to predict DLR, Ambient Adjusted Ratings (AAR), and emergency ratings. This project stands out for its focus on direct weather measurements and high-resolution wind modeling.
“Our project marks a significant advancement in grid modernization," said Ian Gibson, Co-Founder of Pitch Aeronautics. "By integrating advanced drone-deployed sensor technology with weather modeling, we can provide utilities with actionable insights that enhance grid performance, improve reliability, and support operational efficiency."
Project Highlights
Funding: This $4M project is enabled by $2.1 million in Department of Energy funding, with parallel cost share by project partners.
Technology Deployment: Installation of 35 WireWarrior sensors over three years, utilizing Pitch Aeronautics' proprietary drone technology, Astria, for rapid, safe, and efficient deployment.
Broader Impacts: Implementing DLR will provide a more accurate assessment of real-time and forecasted transmission capacity, optimizing grid efficiency and improving reliability during contingency operations. Enhanced weather data can also support wildfire risk mitigation efforts.
"This collaboration with Pitch Aeronautics aligns with Idaho Power's commitment to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our customers," said Mitch Colburn, Idaho Power Vice President of Planning, Engineering and Construction. "The insights gained from this project will help us optimize our infrastructure as we prepare for the energy demands of the future."
About Pitch Aeronautics
Based in Boise, Idaho, Pitch Aeronautics develops advanced installation drones, power line sensors, and data analytics platforms to enhance power grid operations and planning.
About Idaho Power
Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company has a long history of safely providing reliable, affordable, clean energy. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s residential, business, and agricultural customers pay among the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,100 employees proudly serve more than 650,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always, and respect for all.
IDACORP Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho Power’s independent publicly traded parent company, is also headquartered in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, visit idahopower.com or idacorpinc.com.