Essential Energy is rolling out a new Mobile LiDAR Survey (MLS) across selected communities in regional, rural and remote New South Wales from August. The MLS program is part of Essential Energy's broader digitisation initiative, marking another major step forward in building the electricity network of the future.

Residents may notice a branded 4WD vehicle driving slowly through their neighbourhoods, specially equipped with a roof-mounted scanner. The vehicle will be collecting high-resolution 3D data using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology which will be used to create a virtual replica of the Essential Energy network, referred to as a Digital Twin.

According to Essential Energy’s Brad Thomas, the initiative is about using smarter data to deliver safer, more reliable services to regional, rural and remote New South Wales communities.

“The mobile LiDAR survey is part of our broader digitisation program, helping us capture detailed ground-level data to better target upgrades, improve safety, and support faster connections in regional and remote communities where reliability matters most,” Brad explains.

The Digital Twin serves as a powerful model and allows for more accurate predictions during extreme weather events and the planning of upgrades to support the future of the network through the energy transition.

Such technology has already proven its value. The Digital Twin has delivered value to our customers through improved identification of risk and in disaster response situations. An example of this is the rebuild of the South Coast network after the devastating 2019/2020 bushfires, allowing faster, more efficient design and implementation of the repairs. The data collected is assisting in future planning and risk management.

LiDAR image capture of an urban streetscape.

It has also identified available capacity in areas of the Essential Energy network that can enable faster, lower-cost connections for new renewable energy generation projects using the existing electricity infrastructure. It’s a smarter, data-driven way to manage the power system, streamline network maintenance, and improve reliability for customers.

When the surveying begins in August, the specially equipped vehicles may be spotted driving on public roads, travelling at around 40km/h. It complements existing network inspection methods, including aerial and satellite surveys, helping Essential Energy build a more complete and accurate picture of the electricity network.

The Mobile LiDAR Survey is just another example of how Essential Energy is embracing innovation and technology to build a smarter electricity grid. By capturing detailed, ground-level data, it strengthens our ability to plan upgrades, respond to risks, and deliver safer, more reliable services to regional, rural and remote communities.

We appreciate the community’s support as we carry out this important work to strengthen the core of the network and support the energy transition across regional, rural and remote New South Wales.

The MLS program will be rolled out in the following communities first:

• Murwillumbah
• Tweed Heads
• Ewingsdale
• Lismore
• Kyogle
• Casino
• Ballina
• Maclean
• Grafton
• Coffs Harbour

To learn more about the mobile LiDAR survey, the Digital Twin, and how smarter data is helping build a safer, more resilient electricity network, visit essentialenergy.com.au/mls