The Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) on Tuesday announced the launch of a new 24-hour surveillance system of the Greek electricity grid's critical infrastructure, using drones to swiftly locate damage and technical issues.
The initiative is part of the digital transformation and technological upgrade of IPTO infrastructure in order to enhance safety, prevent faults and more quickly respond to critical incidents.
Use of drones will allow a precise and rapid inspection of high-voltage lines and pylons in hard-to-access locations, reducing the operating cost and time needed for regular inspections.
The new methods of digitally monitoring infrastructure are expected to increase their functional life cycle by promptly and efficiently locating damage and incidents, while also enhancing the safety of IPTO technicians.
The first phase of the programme will focus on monitoring the installations and lines in Attica, via a modern Operations and Management Centre and seven local centres.
The drone operators will constantly monitor the infrastructure and equipment and alert the operations centre to deal with any technical problems or vandalism found. 
The drones will have an operational flight range of up to eight km from the starting point, with further surveillance for a distance of another 10 km. They will be equipped with optic and thermal-infrared cameras for constant thermal scanning of the equipment and power lines, as well as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight capability.