Helicopters will patrol more than 1300 kilometres of powerlines and associated network infrastructure across Walcha.
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Starting next week, a helicopter using high-tech equipment will take to the sky to provide Essential Energy with a bird’s eye view of the state of the electricity network.
Essential Energy spokesman David Crough said the inspection was part of a regular maintenance program.
He said customers would see helicopters flying over the network with operators using high resolution digital cameras linked to GPS equipment to capture images of poles, powerlines and other equipment, as well as potentially damaging overhanging vegetation.
“Using these images and the automatically recorded coordinates, we are able
to identify faults or potential problem areas and return quickly to carry out repairs or maintenance,” Mr Crough said.
“Aerial inspections are perfect for inspecting overhead powerlines because they are fast and effective, we don’t have to gain access to private property and it doesn’t matter if the terrain is difficult.”
Aerial patrols, combined with Essential Energy’s ongoing ground-based inspection program of poles and wires, help ensure the local network continues to provide a reliable power supply to customers.
Owners of sensitive animals should advise Essential Energy on 13 23 91 if they would like a call before fly over so that arrangements can be made before the aerial inspections begin.
For more information visit essentialenergy.com.au/aerialinspection.