LiDAR Technology

MESSAGE FROM OPERATIONS: LiDAR at work

Throughout the summer, Roughrider Electric Cooperative’s service area faced storms causing damage to the area including infrastructure. During storm restoration Roughrider Electric’s operation department worked to repair outages in an efficient manner. Roughrider Electric was able to make streamlined restoration decisions by referencing data that was collected and analyzed to ensure a strong grid. Roughrider Electric worked with Innovative Energy Alliance Cooperative’s (IEA) engineering department to use Light Detection and Ranging technology (LiDAR) to help make effective decisions on new and existing infrastructure. IEA is a cooperative owned by four electric distribution cooperatives in North Dakota, including Roughrider Electric.

LiDAR technology at work 

Each year, sections of Roughrider Electric’s power grid are patrolled overhead by helicopters who utilize this imagery technology with help from IEA’s engineering department. IEA’s engineering department examines the data provided and assesses how the current structures and powerlines are preforming. From the reviewed data they work on how the infrastructure can be improved to withstand future energy loads, weather conditions and foliage growth. 

With the strong storms that hit Roughrider Electric’s service area this summer, the operation department along with IEA’s engineers were able to quickly reference models that have been created. These models helped the cooperative determine what infrastructure could be updated during the restoration process. The data also allows for additional efficiency during storm restoration. Once outage report data is gathered the operations department analyzes the existing infrastructure and determines what materials will be needed in the restoration process. This reduces line crews' exposure to the elements and ensures accurate materials are obtained. 

Utilizing technology such as LiDAR helps Roughrider Electric make effective decisions when it matters most, further ensuring safe, reliable electric services to members.