The photography will be conducted using an unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone. The aerial photography is necessary to provide a bird’s eye view and visual record of National Grid’s infrastructure and the habitat/terrain of areas along the electric grid right-of-way.

The resulting photography will be used for a variety of purposes, including educational videos and other information materials National Grid produces to explain what it takes to design and construct large, complex electric transmission line projects.

You may see the UAS in the air in the vicinity of your property. The following measures are followed to comply with all regulations for safety and privacy:

*National Grid conducts all UAS work in compliance with National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Voluntary Best Practices for UAS Privacy, Transparency, and Accountability.

*During flight, the UAS will be focused on existing National Grid assets or the general landscape. The UAS will not be used to collect imagery of specific individuals or property.

*UAS work will also be performed in accordance with all relevant Federal, State, OSHA, or FAA regulations and any safe work methods as required in the National Grid UAS General Operations Manual, UAS Electric Operating Procedure and Employee Safety Handbook.

*UAS crew members will wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when performing work for National Grid. Standard PPE includes: Hard hat (branded); High visibility vest or shirt (branded).

*National Grid UAS crew vehicle (car or truck) will be branded.

*National Grid uses systems manufactured by Skydio, an American Drone manufacturer based in California.

*Residents may hear a slight “buzzing” when the drone is flying nearby.

If you have questions about this activity, please contact National Grid at (800) 390-6634 or email UpstateUpgradeCNY@nationalgrid.com. National Grid appreciates your understanding as they conduct activities related to improvements to their electric grid.