ADA, Okla. (KTEN) — In 2022, the People's Electric Co-op in Ada started using remote control drones to monitor company substations. Now, these drones are used for much more, improving workplace efficiency and safety."

"We're saving the members money, and ultimately, the co-op money."

The drones have thermal capabilities, which has proven useful for the company.

"We found the need of right of way, how close the trees are getting to the line, we can take this drone and fly it out find what the problems are on the line and get them corrected." Stated Kirk Langwell. Langwell is the Operating Unit Services Manager for the P.E.C.

These machines have greatly improved both workplace efficiency and employee safety for the P.E.C. However, these tools are just that: tools.

"it's still gotta be operated by someone that knows what it's looking at, so that's where the human aspect is, not just being able to fly it, but also to be able to interpret the data that they're bringing back." Said Substation Services Manager Matt Cooley.

To put it simply, humans won't have to worry about these drones taking over Texoma any time soon.

Daniel Castañeda, Economic Development Director with the Ada Jobs Foundation, believes that instead, these machines will help more companies become more efficient. “The use of technology, I think, scares a lot of people, with them thinking that it's gonna cut the amount of people that are in the actual workplace, but if anything, I think it helps more with efficiency within a lot of these companies."

"this will not replace any workers. Stated Langwell. “It's just to make our lives easier and faster."