Gansu has rolled out a new campaign to mitigate safety hazards posed by drones to high-voltage power lines, as the rapid expansion of the low-altitude economy brings increased drone use in agriculture, surveying, logistics, and other sectors. However, weak safety awareness and improper operations among some pilots have led to frequent incidents of drones colliding with transmission lines, threatening the stability of the electrical grid.

To address this, Gansu has introduced an innovative police-power cooperation model, officially starting a special micro-campaign called “Protect the Grid, Fly Safely.” This initiative establishes a coordinated, three-tier working mechanism at the provincial, city, and county levels, systematically resolving drone-related electrical risks while supporting the safe and orderly growth of the low-altitude economy.

At a recent press conference held by the Gansu Provincial People's Government Information Office, Wang Shengli, Deputy Director of the Safety Supervision Department at State Grid Gansu Electric Power Company, explained that the Gansu Provincial Public Security Department and State Grid Gansu Electric Power Company issued the “Joint Control of Drone-Related Electrical Safety Risks – Protect the Grid, Fly Safely Special Work Plan” on August 31. The plan builds five routine mechanisms—survey, publicity, patrol, prevention, and crackdown—to jointly address drone-related electrical safety risks.

Drones that hit or get tangled in high-voltage lines can easily trigger line trips and equipment damage, leading to large-scale power outages. Such incidents also pose serious risks of personal injury to drone operators and nearby residents. Gansu is focusing on source control by thoroughly assessing risk levels. The power company, in partnership with public security authorities, is conducting risk inspections and establishing three key lists: key operational areas, high-risk lines, and major operation entities. These include concentrated crop protection zones, ultra-high-voltage transmission corridors, drone training institutions, and agricultural cooperatives, all integrated into a ledger-based risk management system. This allows for targeted, precise strategies to lock down key risk areas and locations from the outset.

At the same time, the campaign emphasizes public education to boost safety awareness across society. Gansu will use short videos, posters, radio, television, and new media platforms to conduct widespread outreach. “Point-to-point” safety notifications will be delivered to high-risk groups, such as crop protection pilots, agricultural cooperatives, and drone training schools, clearly explaining the safety red lines and legal consequences of flying near high-voltage lines. The goal is to instill a mindset of lawful flying and grid protection among pilots.

To strengthen detailed patrols and build a solid defense network combining technology and manpower, Gansu will step up self-inspection frequencies for grid facilities in high-sensitivity scenarios, such as historical fault zones, concentrated crop protection areas, construction hoisting sites, and nighttime operations. Joint police-power patrols will ensure comprehensive coverage during critical periods and in key regions. Additionally, the province will improve video surveillance systems and safety warning signs along major transmission corridors, while exploring new technologies like drone detection, sensing, and early warning to enhance the ability to identify risks.