Key Takeaways
- The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) is transitioning to full-scale implementation of drone-based infrastructure inspections in 2026
- A five-year, $248,000 contract has been approved with eSmart Systems to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with aerial data
- The new initiative aims to shift from reactive "break-fix" maintenance to a proactive, data-driven approach
- The CBPU will analyze thousands of high-resolution images captured by drones to identify vulnerabilities in the electrical grid
- Drone technology is also being considered for inspecting water resource recovery facilities and sewer systems
Introduction to Drone-Based Inspections
The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) is making a significant shift in its approach to infrastructure inspections, moving from traditional manual methods to a more modern and efficient approach using drones. As of 2026, the CBPU is officially transitioning from pilot testing to full-scale implementation of drone-based infrastructure inspections. This move follows a successful year-long trial, which demonstrated the effectiveness of using drones to inspect the city’s electrical grid. The CBPU has recently approved a five-year, $248,000 contract with Norwegian tech company eSmart Systems to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with aerial data, which will enable the utility board to analyze thousands of high-resolution images captured by drones.
The Need for Proactive Maintenance
The new initiative represents a major shift from reactive "break-fix" maintenance to a proactive, data-driven approach. Traditional manual inspections are labor-intensive and often miss subtle defects at the top of poles, which can lead to service disruptions and pose a risk to community safety. By utilizing the eSmart Systems Grid Vision platform, the CBPU will be able to identify vulnerabilities in the electrical grid before they lead to service disruptions. This proactive approach will enable the CBPU to take corrective action before issues arise, reducing the risk of power outages and improving overall service reliability.
Pilot Program Success
During the summer of 2025, the CBPU expanded its internal capabilities by using its own drones to inspect approximately 400 utility poles. A 2024 pilot program demonstrated the technology’s effectiveness by narrowing 4,600 aerial images down to 400 actionable items, including the discovery of dangerously low-hanging live conductors and severe pole rot. The success of the pilot program paved the way for the full-scale implementation of drone-based inspections, which will enable the CBPU to inspect its entire electrical grid more efficiently and effectively.
Infrastructure and Service Area
The CBPU manages 217 miles of overhead circuits and 7,000 poles across a 9.5-square-mile service area. With a large and complex infrastructure to maintain, the CBPU requires a reliable and efficient method for inspecting its assets. The use of drones will enable the CBPU to inspect its infrastructure more quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of service disruptions and improving overall community safety. The CBPU’s commitment to innovation and proactive maintenance will help to ensure that its customers receive reliable and efficient service.
Expanding Drone Technology
Beyond the electric grid, drone technology is seeing increased interest for wider utility applications in 2026. This includes potential for inspecting water resource recovery facilities and sewer systems, mirroring similar "poop drone" initiatives in other Michigan counties that use specialized sensors to detect hazardous gases and structural failures in underground pipes. The use of drones in these areas has the potential to improve safety and efficiency, reducing the risk of environmental hazards and service disruptions. As the CBPU continues to innovate and expand its use of drone technology, it is likely that other utilities will follow suit, adopting similar approaches to improve their own operations.
Statewide Drone Registry
As Michigan lawmakers move to establish a statewide drone registry in 2026, the CBPU remains a leader among small municipal utilities in leveraging advanced aerial mobility to improve community safety and service reliability. The establishment of a statewide drone registry will help to regulate the use of drones and ensure that they are used safely and responsibly. The CBPU’s commitment to innovation and proactive maintenance has positioned it as a leader in the use of drone technology, and its experience and expertise will be valuable assets as the state moves forward with its drone registry initiative.