ESSENTIAL Energy will take to the air to patrol more than 1900 kilometres of powerlines across the Dubbo City Council area over the next four weeks.
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A helicopter using high-tech equipment will take to the sky, with operators getting a bird's eye view of the electricity network.
Northern regional manager Ben Williams said the helicopter would be used for low level patrols of high voltage powerlines across the region.
Operators will use high resolution digital cameras linked to GPS equipment to capture images of poles, powerlines and other equipment, as well as potentially damaging overhanging vegetation.
"Using these images and the automatically recorded coordinates, we are able to identify faults or potential problem areas and return quickly to carry out repairs or maintenance," Mr Williams said.
"Aerial inspections are perfect for inspecting overhead powerlines because they are fast and effective and not dependent on ground conditions. We don't have to gain access to private property and it doesn't matter if the terrain is difficult."
Mr Williams said that taking to the sky allowed Essential Energy to pinpoint potential weaknesses, including areas where the network had suffered damage from storms or where vegetation may create an issue.
He said the aerial patrols, combined with Essential Energy's ongoing inspection program of poles and wires from the ground, would ensure the local network was in the best possible condition to meet demands ahead.
