Essential Energy will capture a detailed picture of the condition of its electricity network in the Canowindra area by conducting aerial inspections of powerlines and electrical infrastructure across its distribution area over the coming months.
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From late this month, a fixed wing plane will be used to identify damaged or deteriorating network assets and potential vegetation encroachments in Canowindra and surrounding areas.
Regional Manager Northern, Mark Summers, said the aerial patrols were part of Essential Energy’s Bushfire Risk Management Plan and the data captured would help ensure the safety and reliability of the network.
“The program will inspect the pole top condition of 11,000 power poles across 15,000 kilometres of our network,” Mr Summers said.
“Aerial patrols are an efficient and effective way to view our network assets.”
Mr Summers said the aerial inspections were useful as it meant inspections were carried out “without encroaching on or inconveniencing property owners and customers.
“Having an ‘eye in the sky’ gives us the ability to assess if vegetation is encroaching on powerlines or whether pole top hardware is damaged or ageing.”
Property owners with sensitive animals should contact Essential Energy on 13 23 91 to organise a call advising of the fly over so that alternative arrangements can be made prior to the aerial inspections.
If an issue is identified during inspections, Essential Energy will contact affected landholders and organise crews to attend and undertake any necessary repairs.
Follow Essential Energy on Facebook and Twitter for updates on aerial patrols or visit: essentialenergy.com.au/aerial for further information.
