Aerial inspections help us to identify faults or potential hazards with electrical equipment or vegetation encroachment across our network. They form part of our ongoing maintenance program that helps us keep our network safe and reliable for our customers and communities.
Bushfire inspection program
The annual bushfire inspection program involves a visual inspection of the electricity assets across high-risk areas of the Essential Energy network in preparation for the upcoming bushfire season.
The program involves two inspection types:
- an aerial patrol using an aircraft (like a helicopter) flying at a low altitude (below 500ft),
- drone inspection supported by a ground patrol.
Technology is supporting changes to our bushfire inspection program through the greater use of drones. Using drones to inspect our poles and wires is more efficient, has a low impact and is safer. Low flying aircraft are used as part of the inspection program in areas where drones are unable to operate.
The bushfire inspection program is part of the Essential Energy Bushfire Risk Management Plan.
Inspection schedule
Our bushfire inspection program begins in late January and runs for several months. Following the inspections, asset maintenance and vegetation clearing may be required to prepare the network ahead of the next bushfire season. For more information about our vegetation management program, visit our vegetation management page.
Customers will be sent SMS and email notifications before inspections are scheduled to take place on their properties.
To receive notifications, customers are encouraged to keep their contact details, including mobile number and email address, up to date with their electricity retailer.
If your property has specific circumstances that require special notification, you can register your request using our online form.
Location and dates
April 2025
Barraba – Drone inspection
Orange – Drone inspection
Blayney – Drone inspection
Cowra – Helicopter and Drone inspection
Canowindra - Drone inspection
Molong – Helicopter and Drone inspection
Mudgee - Drone inspection
Dubbo – Helicopter and Drone inspection
Narromine – Helicopter inspection
Tamworth - Helicopter and Drone inspection
Port Macquarie - Helicopter and Drone inspection
Parkes – Drone inspection
Armidale – Drone inspection
Tenterfield – Drone inspection
Maclean – Drone inspection
Tweed Heads – Drone inspection
Broken Hill – Drone inspection
Gunnedah – Drone inspection
Kempsey – Helicopter
Taree - Helicopter and Drone inspection
Stroud - Helicopter and Drone inspection and Drone inspection
Gloucester - Helicopter and Drone inspection
Bulahdelah - Helicopter and Drone inspection
