Starting this week, a fixed wing aircraft using high-tech equipment will take to the sky to provide operators with a bird's eye view of the state of the electricity network.

Regional manager, Phillip Green, said the aircraft would be used to inspect the powerlines across the region as part of Essential Energy's network maintenance program.

In some instances, customers will see aircraft 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 Green 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."

Mr Green said working from the air allowed Essential Energy to pinpoint potential weaknesses, including areas where the network had suffered damage from storms or where vegetation may create an issue.

"Once these have been identified, we are then able to send in our crews directly to the site to address the problems," Mr Green said.

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.

Visit essentialenergy.com.au/aerialinspection for more information or follow Essential Energy on Facebook and Twitter for updates about the patrols.