Updates & Events
Info for members about events, updates, and results
In 2026 we are planning to undertake several tasks in P35.001, Inspection and Assessment, including those listed below:
- Update the Inspection and Assessment Reference Book (The Yellow Book): This reference book is intended to be an evolving resource designed to become a single living repository of information on the inspection and assessment of overhead transmission lines. In 2026, EPRI intends make updates in the reference book related to use of unmanned aerial vehicles for inspection of overhead transmission systems as well as new and emerging inspection technologies.
- Update Inspection Field Guides: EPRI’s field guides provide personnel access to in-service inspection guidance for dozens of transmission line components, with the convenience of remote access. As transmission line research advances, the knowledge related to inspection and assessment of various assets is identified and developed into a mobile field guide that provides a media-rich transfer of information that includes the asset condition and what actions to take. In 2026, EPRI intends to update the media content and update conditions assessment to reflect the most recent learnings and improve the accessibility and relevance of the guides.
- Evaluate New and Emerging Inspection Technologies: This task focuses on inventorying and evaluating the efficacy, practicality, and application of new and emerging inspection technologies. EPRI plans to monitor all new technologies on its Tech Radar website as well as evaluate the early fault detection (EFD) technology developed by IND.T which utilizes radio frequency sensors and advanced analysis to detect and locate failing assets.
- Develop Training Database for Artificial Intelligence Image Processing: Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the processing of images from visual inspections is one method to increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of inspection of overhead transmission systems. One of the challenges with AI image processing is the lack of good data to train models. EPRI plans to gather and classify as many overhead transmission inspection images and datasets as possible to aid the training of AI models.
- Development of an Asset Reliability & Availability Model: This task focuses on the development an Asset Reliability and Availability Model for overhead transmission lines with a specific focus on the selection of appropriate maintenance regimes. Many utilities face the challenges of aging infrastructure and how best to handle the end of life of these assets. This model aims to use historic data as well as various other utility inputs to guide users to a selection of an appropriate maintenance practice per asset.
- Host an Inspection, Assessment, and Maintenance Workshop: This task is aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of professionals involved in the inspection and maintenance of overhead transmission systems. This workshop will provide participants with insights into best practices, emerging technologies, and methodologies for effective assessment and maintenance of transmission assets. By bringing together industry experts and utility representatives, the workshop will facilitate discussions on challenges faced in the field, share lessons learned from past experiences, and promote collaboration among utilities to improve overall safety and reliability in power delivery. Participants can expect to gain valuable information that will aid in making informed decisions regarding their inspection and maintenance strategies.
2026 Engagement Opportunities
| Event Name | Date | Location | Contact | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and Substations Task Force Meeting | February 9 - 12 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | Meeting Information |
| Transmission & Substations Advisory Meeting | March 30 - April 1 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | Meeting Information |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Inspection and Assessment (P35.001) | June 2 11:00-11:30 am ET | Webcast | Fabien Besnard | More information coming soon |
| 2026 IAM Workshop | April 28-30 | Charlotte, NC | Rachel Moore Alessandro Berredo Tim Shaw Neal Murray |
More information coming soon |
| Overhead Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #1 | June 18 10:00 - 11:30 am ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Overhead Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #2 | July 30 10:00 - 11:30 am ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Transmission and Substations Task Force Meeting | August 10-14 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Transmission & Substations Advisory Meeting | August 31- September 2 | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon | |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Inspection and Assessment (P35.001) | December 1 11:00-11:30 am ET | Webcast | Fabien Besnard | More information coming soon |
2026 Anticipated Deliverables
| Deliverable | Deliverable Type |
|---|---|
| Inspection and Assessment Reference Book (The Yellow Book) | Reference Book |
| Daytime Discharge Inspection of Transmission and Distribution Overhead Lines | Field Guide |
| Inspection of Conductors for Overhead Transmission Lines | Field Guide |
| Inspection of Transmission Line Grounding Systems | Field Guide |
| Visual Inspection of Polymer Insulators | Field Guide |
| Visual Inspection of Porcelain and Glass Disc Insulators | Field Guide |
| Visual Inspection of SteelStructures | Field Guide |
| Visual Inspection of Wood Structures | Field Guide |
| Inspection of Transmission Line Foundations | Field Guide |
| Inspection, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting of Sacrificial Anode Cathodic Protection Systems for Transmission Line Structures | Field Guide |
| Visual Inspection of Avian Issues on Transmission and Distribution Structures | Field Guide |
| Corona Rings for Polymer Insulators | Field Guide |
| Tier 1, Above- and Below-Grade Corrosion Assessment of Weathering Steel Transmission Structures | Field Guide |
| Construction and Inspection of Compression Connectors for Overhead Transmission Lines | Field Guide |
| Infrared Thermography for Overhead Transmission Lines | Field Guide |
| Transmission Line Aerial Marking & Lightning | Field Guide |
| Live Working Rope | Field Guide |
| Corrosion Assessment of Weathering Steel Transmission Structures | Field Guide |
| Evaluation of New and Emerging Inspection Technologies | Technical Update Report |
| Inspection, Assessment, and Maintenance Workshop | Workshop |
2025 Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | March 10-13 (In-person) March 17-20 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI Overhead Transmission Program (P35) New Supplemental Launch Webcast | April 3 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Information Exchange Webcast: Technologies forMonitoring Icing (P35.001) | April 24 11:00 am - 12:30 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Inspection and Assessment(P35.001) | June 10 11:00 am -12:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #1 | July 17 10:00 am - 11:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Material |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #2 | July 24 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Material |
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | August 18-22 (In-person) August 25-29 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Information Exchange Webcast: Technologies forAvian Interactions (P35.001) | September 16 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| EPRI's Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure (TDI) Workshop on Robotics, Drones, and Imagery | October 21 8:00 am - 5:00 pm ET |
Workshop | Meeting Materials |
2025 Deliverables
| PID | Deliverable Title |
|---|---|
| 3002032691 | Overhead Transmission Inspection, Assessment, and AssetManagement Reference Guide (Yellow Book) |
| 3002032692 | Evaluation of LiDAR Inspection Technologies |
| 3002032693 | Field Guide: Construction and Inspection of CompressionConnectors for Overhead Transmission Lines |
| 3002032694 | Field Guide: Corona Rings for Polymer Insulators |
| 3002032695 | Field Guide: Inspection of Conductors for Overhead TransmissionLines |
| 3002032696 | Field Guide: Inspection of Transmission Line Foundations |
| 3002032697 | Field Guide: Inspection of Transmission Line Grounding Systems |
| 3002032698 | Field Guide: Visual Inspection of Avian Issues on Transmissionand Distribution Structures |
| 3002032699 | Field Guide: Visual Inspection of Polymer Insulators |
| 3002032700 | Field Guide: Visual Inspection of Porcelain and Glass DiscInsulators |
| 3002032701 | Field Guide: Visual Inspection of Steel Structures |
| 3002032702 | Field Guide: Visual Inspection of Wood Structures |
| 3002032703 | Field Guide: Infrared Thermography for Overhead TransmissionLines -Insulators, Compression Connectors, Overhead Ground Wire, Surge |