German Aerospace Center

Washington Utility Deploying Smart Grid Sensors to Boost Transmission Capacity

Puget Sound Energy is collaborating with Heimdall Power on a major smart grid initiative in Washington state. The project involves installing 75 advanced monitoring devices to optimize power transmission capacity. This represents one of the largest deployments of dynamic line rating technology in the United States.

Major Grid Modernization Initiative Underway

Northwest utility Puget Sound Energy has launched a significant smart grid pilot project in partnership with Norwegian technology company Heimdall Power, according to recent announcements. The companies report they are deploying 75 advanced monitoring devices called “Neurons” across approximately 100 miles of transmission infrastructure in western Washington.

by Alvarez JordanOctober 23, 2025

Assistive Technology Energy

How Drones Are Revolutionizing Grid Monitoring and Maintenance

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors are revolutionizing how utilities monitor aging grid infrastructure. These unmanned aerial systems provide comprehensive inspection capabilities that identify faults before they cause outages. The integration of drone data with smart grid algorithms creates a proactive maintenance approach that enhances grid reliability.

The aging electrical infrastructure across many countries presents significant challenges for grid operators, with much equipment exceeding 40 years of service. Drone technology is emerging as a transformative solution for grid monitoring, offering unprecedented capabilities for inspecting transmission lines, substations, and other critical components. These unmanned aerial systems provide utilities with detailed visual and thermal data that enables proactive maintenance and rapid fault detection, according to recent analysis of smart grid advancements.