Xcel Energy Says Customers Will Benefit After FAA Allows Use Of Drones

DENVER (CBS4) - Drones will soon be flying over power lines in Colorado.

The Federal Aviation Administration just gave Xcel Energy the approval to fly the drones, and Xcel says its customers will be the big winners.

The drones will be used to inspect power plants, transmission lines and natural gas pipelines.

Xcel says the drones allow them to get a closer look at hard to reach areas without putting employees in danger.

The company says using the drones will ultimately reduce customer costs and improve emergency response times.