Aerial inspections provide a bird's eye view of the network to identify faults or potential problems. These inspections form part of our ongoing inspection program, along with ground inspections as required, to ensure the network is in good condition.

The Aerial inspections collect information about the network and the immediate surrounding area. There are two types of information collected namely High Definition Pole Top Photography and LiDAR point cloud.

Current programs

  • Pre Summer Bushfire Inspection Program (PSBI)
  • LiDAR Data Acquisition Program

Pre Summer Bushfire Inspection Program (PSBI)

The PSBI Program involves the visual inspection of the Essential Energy Network in areas identified as High Bushfire Risk. This program involves a fixed wing aircraft flying at low altitude, below 500ft, supported by ground patrols where required to inspect the Essential Energy Network to ensure it is in sound condition before the Bushfire Season. This plane will be displaying signage “Essential Energy Aerial Patrol”.

View the schedule.

Essential Energy Aerial Inspections

Essential Energy Aerial Inspection

Aerial Patrol Aircraft

Pole photography enables us to identify defects on poles to allow maintenance before they become dangerous failures. 

Pole top photo from aerial inspection

The corridor photos give us the overall context of the span and easement condition.

Corridor photo from aerial inspection

LiDAR Data Acquisition Program

LiDAR is a surveying method which enables us to make three-dimensional models of the poles and wires, in conjunction with the pictured fixed wing plane, Essential Energy will be engaging a Service Provider operating a Drone to capture small sections of power poles & lines around the Dubbo area. Customers near the areas to be inspected by the Drone will be advised via an SMS notification. View the schedule

Aerial Inspection Drone

LiDAR aircraft

Aerial patrol schedule

Aerial Patrols are an efficient method of ensuring that the electricity network is adequately maintained. Public notifications are issued prior to Aerial Inspections taking place within each area. If you have specific circumstances that require additional notification you can register for aerial notification prior to fly over.

Patrol Schedule for 2023

Key:  Grey image block PSBI program  Light orange image block LiDAR program 

October 2023

Ballina and surrounding area
Casino and surrounding area
Coffs Harbour and surrounding area
Dorrigo and surrounding area
Ewingsdale and surrounding area
Grafton and surrounding area
Kyogle and surrounding area
Lismore and surrounding area
Maclean and surrounding area
Tweed Heads and surrounding area
Murwillumbah and surrounding area
Armidale and surrounding area
Barbara and surrounding area
Bulahdelah and surrounding area
Dungog and surrounding area
Glen Innes and surrounding area
Gloucester and surrounding area
Goondiwindi and surrounding area
Guyra and surrounding area
Inverell and surrounding area
Kempsey and surrounding area
Nambucca heads and surrounding area
Port Macquarie and surrounding area
Stroud and surrounding area
Tamworth and surrounding area
Taree and surrounding area
Tenterfield and surrounding area
Texas and surrounding area
Warialda and surrounding area
Gloucester and surrounding area
Stroud and surrounding area
Dungog and surrounding area
Bulahdelah and surrounding area
Taree and surrounding area
Port Macquarie and surrounding area
Kempsey and surrounding area