01 May 2022
Evoenergy’s annual aerial inspections program will inspect powerlines and electricity network infrastructure by helicopter between May 2022 and June 2022 as part of our essential bushfire mitigation and safety maintenance program.
Our helicopter is designed or quitter and safer flight, ideal for inspecting overhead network infrastructure in rural and urban areas including: Jerrabomberra, Woden, Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Weston Creek, Gungahlin, Molongo Valley, Canberra Central, Majura, Coree, Paddys River, Stromlo, Hall, Kowen, Cotter River, Mount Clear, Tennent, Rendezvous Creek and Booth.
This year, we’ll cover roughly 1,200km of overhead powerlines, inspecting around 7,500 poles and network structures, this compliments, and saves us on some time and resources with our field program to inspect vegetation and structures from the ground. We’ll be looking for vegetation encroaching on powerlines and fly at approximately 110–150 meters in rural areas, and above 1,000 feet (approximately 310 meters) in urban areas. We use Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to determine the distance between powerlines and trees with minimal hovering.
In the areas where we are concentrating our efforts, we are sending SMS notifications to let residents know that we will be flying in the area.
Helicopter patrols are used by Evoenergy and other network distribution companies around Australia to assess how close vegetation is growing to powerlines to keep obstructions away from overhead wires. Evoenergy Network Services Manager, Bronwen Butterfield said that the annual aerial inspections program is essential to ensure we keep our network safe and reliable.
“Each year, trees and branches falling on powerlines continue to be our most significant threat to electricity sparking bushfires and one of the lead causes of power interruptions in the ACT. This program will identify vegetation encroachments so they can be prioritised and addressed,” said Ms Butterfield.
“Over the next three months, the Canberra community will occasionally see Evoenergy’s helicopters surveying our network. In suburban areas we’ll fly at around 310 metres above the ground and in rural areas between 110 and 150 metres.”
“Where we find trees too close to powerlines, we will notify residents to have their trees trimmed, including a list of Evoenergy-accredited arborists they should use. However, prevention is the best measure and given the recent rainfall and ideal growing conditions over the past two years, we recommend residents inspect vegetation in their backyard as soon as possible rather than wait for a notification.” Read more in our clearance around powerlines brochure
For more information visit www.evoenergy.com.au/aerial-inspection-program.
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