Infrastructure Inspections

Northern Lights, Inc. has contracted Big Sky Aerial Solutions to conduct aerial inspections of electric utility infrastructure using small unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.

These inspections are part of Northern Lights’ ongoing efforts to improve system reliability, support wildfire mitigation and maintain safe electric service for our members. The work will help identify potential equipment concerns, vegetation hazards and clearance issues before they become larger problems.

Inspections will focus on electric utility infrastructure, including poles, wires, crossarms, transformers and nearby vegetation conditions.

The drones are being used only to inspect Northern Lights’ infrastructure. They are not being used to photograph homes, people or private activity.

You may see drone activity, marked vehicles or field crews operating near roads, rights-of-way, easements and existing power lines.

Inspections will began Monday, July 13 and continue. Estimated locations and dates* are below:

August 7: Crews are working in the Selle Valley, currently between Elmira and and Naples. Crews are also near Sawyer, Careywood, Cabinet and Sandpoint.

August 8-18: Crews will work south to north from Elmira to Bonners.

August 18-22: Crews will work west to east from Bonners Ferry to Leonia.

August 22-28: Crews will work from Bonners Ferry north on Highway 95 and south to north from the Moyie River to the Canadian border.

August 28: Infrastructure inspections are now complete.

All drone operations will be conducted by FAA-certified pilots from Big Sky Aerial Solutions in accordance with applicable regulations and safety procedures.

No action is required from members.

If you have any questions about this work, please contact Northern Lights at 208-263-5141.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to maintain a safe, reliable and resilient electric system.

*Updated August 28, 2026.