ESSENTIAL Energy will take to the air to patrol more than 650 kilometres of powerlines in the Bulahdelah area in the next three weeks.
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Regional manager North Coast, Brendon Neyland said the helicopter would be used for low-level patrols of high voltage powerlines.
Operators will use digital cameras linked to GPS to capture images of poles, powerlines and hazardous 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 Neyland said.
"Aerial inspections are perfect for inspecting overhead powerlines because they are fast and effective and not dependent on ground conditions.
"We don't have to gain access to private property and it doesn't matter if the terrain is difficult," Mr Neyland said.
He said the project enabled them to pinpoint potential weaknesses, including areas where the network had suffered damage from storms or where vegetation may create an issue.
Owners of sensitive animals should advise Essential Energy on 13 20 80 if they need a no-fly zone, so arrangements can be made before the aerial inspections begin.
■ Visit essentialenergy.com. au/aerial for more information.
