Essential Energy will take to the skies in the coming months to capture a snapshot of the condition of its electricity network as part of its asset inspection program.
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From early February, a fixed wing plane will be used to identify damaged or deteriorating network assets and potential vegetation encroachments in Canowindra, Oberon, Blayney, Molong, Bathurst and the 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 107,100 power poles across 14,788 kilometres of our network,” Mark said.
“Aerial patrols are an effective way to view our network assets to assess if vegetation is encroaching on powerlines or whether pole top hardware is damaged or ageing.
“Essential Energy may also from time to time use drones to inspect the electricity network in areas that are sensitive or inaccessible using conventional methods,” Mark added.
Property owners with sensitive animals should contact Essential Energy on 13 23 91 to organise notifications of the flyover so that alternative arrangements can be made prior to the aerial inspections.
If the inspections identify an issue with the network, 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.