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 a High Bushfire Risk.
This inspection program involves a fixed wing aircraft flying at a low altitude, below 500ft, to ensure the Networks safety and reliability condition before the next Bushfire Season.
Should an asset or vegetation issue be identified, it may require the aircraft to refly that section of network to capture the potential issue by photo and its exact location for rectification.
Aerial inspections are supported by ground patrols where required to inspect the Essential Energy Network, if needed, the Service Provider will discuss the potential to capture some network images only with the use of a drone.
The aircraft will be displaying signage indicating, “Essential Energy Aerial Patrol” and vehicles will display “Essential Energy Contractor”.
Pole photography enables us to identify defects on poles to allow maintenance before they become dangerous failures.
The corridor photos give us the overall context of the span and easement condition.
LiDAR Data Acquisition Program
LiDAR is a surveying method which enables us to make three-dimensional models of the poles and wires. View the schedule
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 2024
Key: 
PSBI program 
LiDAR program
April 2024
| Taree and surrounding area |
| Gloucester and surrounding area |
| Stroud and surrounding area |
| Dungog and surrounding area |
| Bulahdelah and surrounding area |
| Goulburn and surrounding area |
| Yass and surrounding area |
| West Wyalong and surrounding area |
| Griffith and surrounding area |
| Lockhart and surrounding area |
| Leeton and surrounding area |
| Coolamon and surrounding area |
