Essential Energy will take to the sky in the Southern Region over the coming months to capture a snapshot of the condition of its electricity network as part of its asset inspection program.
From May,11, 2020, a fixed wing plane will be used to identify damaged or deteriorating network assets and potential vegetation encroachments in the Moruya and Bega areas.
Operations Manager, South Eastern, Darren Basterfield, 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,” Darren 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,” Darren added.
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. Property owners requiring notification of aerial patrol can contact Essential Energy on 13 23 91 to discuss alternative arrangements prior to the aerial inspections.
