Residents in the Southern Highlands can expect to see helicopters surveying powerlines as Endeavour Energy takes to the skies to check for potential bushfire hazards around its network.
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Helicopter patrols started in March, however operations were impacted by the rain and as a result have continued above the Bowral area this weekend.
"Our annual cycle of aerial inspections of our 163,000 poles in our network area is one of the ways we keep the community safe," Endeavour Energy's general manager of network services Scott Ryan said.
"The aerial patrol assists us in identifying pole top defects or trees too close to our 13,000 kilometres of powerlines, allowing us to fix these issues ahead of summer and the bushfire season."
Mr Ryan said helicopters provided a fast, efficient and effective in collecting the volume of date needed.
"The survey is completed using light detection and ranging technology and we limit data capture to only images of our network to protect people's privacy," Mr Ryan said.
"By completing the patrols in this way, we can complete a more thorough inspection of the hardware at the top of poles and inspect areas inaccessible to vehicles."
Mr Ryan said Endeavour Energy had employed measures to minimise the impact of the helicopter patrols on customers and the community.
"The helicopters have been modified to be as quiet as possible and will fly between 200 and 400 metres above the ground at a speed of about 40 kilometres per hour," he said.
"Farmers, animal breeders and other customers potentially affected by the noise can receive advance notice of our patrols over their properties.
"Anyone who would like prior notification of when helicopters will be near their property can contact us on 133 718.
"These customers will be added to our database of customers collated over past years who are contacted ahead of the patrols being flown."
More information about when and where helicopter patrols will be undertaken is available on the Endeavour Energy website at www.endeavourenergy.com.au/aerialpatrols.
