Utility Replaces Bucket Trucks with Drones
Westar Energy is deploying unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones, to improve the way it conducts inspections. The Kansas-based utility is replacing bucket trucks to prevent major outages before they happen and cut costs.

Photo via Flickr/Budi Nusyirwan
Westar Energy is deploying unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones, to improve the way it conducts inspections. The Kansas-based utility is replacing bucket trucks to prevent major outages before they happen and cut costs, reports 6Lawrence.
The new drones will have the ability to send workers 3D imagery, which can be used to repairs or confirm when a job has been completed. Previously, workers would use a bucket lift truck and binoculars to get the job done. The addition of drones will not negatively impact the jobs of linemen and utility workers.
More Utility Fleet
Inside the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference
What is EUFMC? For more than seven decades, the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference has served as a hub for collaboration, education, and innovation within the utility fleet industry. In this video, Work Truck talks to EUFMC President Greg Loew to learn more.
Read More →Inside the EUFMC Equipment Expo & Drive-Through
Follow Work Truck as we check out the trucks and other vehicles that were showcased at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. Whether looking for something on tires or treads, it was there for fleet managers to see.
Read More →
Terex Utilities & Kiley Unveil Custom America 250 Bucket Trucks at EUFMC 2026
Terex Utilities showcased a patriotic spirit in its booth this week during the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, by debuting two custom-wrapped bucket trucks celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Read More →
Panasonic Connect & Anterix Strengthen Connectivity Options for Utilities and Field Workers
The Panasonic Connect Toughbook 56 is the first Toughbook to earn the AnterixActive badge, which means it can connect to and operate on Anterix’s 900 MHz network even in the most remote locations.
Read More →
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches Portable Scene Light III & LiteBox 1Million
Streamlight has launched its Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a long-range search light that delivers one million candela.
Read More →
EUFMC 2026 Matches Fleet Registration Record
EUFMC 2026 registration has surpassed last year’s fleet registration record, and the event will deliver a variety of topics during its educational program, Driving Safety, Sustainability & Technical Expertise.
Read More →
What to Expect from PALFINGER in 2026
Work Truck visited with Ismael Daneluz, vice president of sales and service for PALFINGER North America, to discuss where the company is headed in 2026. In this video, he discusses new products and a strategic growth outlook.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
DICA Launches Complete Engineered Ground Protection Line
DICA’s new Ranger HD, Defender MD, and Titan mat systems deliver scalable, high-performance ground protection solutions. All are being exhibited this week at CONEXPO 2026.
Read More →
