Xcel Energy, based in Minneapolis, has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to use drones. The company offers electrical and natural gas services, and with more than 320,000 miles of electricity and natural gas infrastructure, Vice President of Operation Services, Michael Lamb, says the drones could be used to inspect their large boilers, transmission lines after damaging storms, and can monitor natural gas lines for any leaks.

The use of drones within operations will first be studied before implementing them into the company’s inspection processes.

Lamb says that if the drones prove to be more effective and efficient, customers would not see much immediate difference in the rates they paid for electricity; although there could be long-term benefits.

Xcel Energy serves approximately 3.5 million electric customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers.