Helicopters have been circling the Highlands, with many residents left wondering what was going on.
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The helicopters are part of Endeavour Energy who have taken to the skies to conduct a powerline survey and inspect otherwise inaccessible areas.
Endeavour Energy's general manager of operations Scott Ryan said they were inspecting 163,000 power poles in bushfire prone areas to keep the community safe and the network reliable.
"Aerial patrols provide a platform for a very thorough examination of the condition of the hardware on the top of poles or asses how close vegetation is growing around powerlines in order to keep obstructions away from overhead wires," he said.
Mr Ryan said these patrols assist in prioritising trimming of vegetation as trees and branches falling on powerlines were one of the biggest causes of power interruptions.
"We are starting our inspections early this year so we can efficiently program maintenance to be completed ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.
"The helicopters can be identified by signage underneath saying "Power Line Patrol" as well as having "Endeavour Energy Contractor" on the side of their fuselage.
"The two helicopters are fitted with light detection and ranging technology and take high-resolution photographs of the tops of poles, which can be reviewed in detail after the patrol has been flown."
Mr Ryan said Endeavour Energy had employed measures to minimise the noise impacting customers and the community.
"Farmers, animal breeders and other customers concerned about the noise from the helicopters can receive advance notice to be able move animals away from the patrols near their properties," he said.
"Please call us on 133 718 if you would like to be added to our database where customers who receive prior notification ahead of patrols being flown near their property."
The aerial survey is expected to continue through the month of March, weather permitting.
Helicopters are a safe and efficient way to survey powerlines and inspect otherwise inaccessible areas. The bird's-eye view from the air permits a better inspection of equipment on the top of poles that is otherwise not visible from the ground.
More information about when and where helicopter patrols will be undertaken is available on the Endeavour Energy website at www.endeavourenergy.com.au/aerialpatrols.
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