Aurora Energy has begun its first extensive drone survey of sections of its Otago overhead line network corridor.

The drone technology is becoming the mainstay of the infrastructure inspections following a small successful trial in 2018, Aurora said.

Contractors Preformed Line Products will produce high-resolution video, photographs and infra-red information from ten metres above the lines which will be assessed by analysts and engineers. 

“Using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones can provide a safer, higher quality, and more economical service compared to conventional inspections, particularly in hard to access terrain,” Aurora general manager asset management Glenn Coates said.

“It is also less intrusive to the owners of the land being overflown and easier on livestock in the case of farmland when compared to the use of helicopters.”

The drone survey provides information on the physical state of the assets such as corrosion and damage including cross-arms cracking or conductor binder wire strands breaking. 

The information gathered from the drone survey will be used in conjunction with information gathered from traditional inspections to enable Aurora to better manage and plan work required on the network.

Inspections began in January and this month they are taking place in Central Otago, Queenstown and Arrowtown. The Wanaka inspections are due to start in March.

Letters have been sent to residents who have a line or pole located on their property which will be the subject of the drone inspections. 

The camera will remain pointed down at all times and residents can be assured the aim is not to look at buildings, Aurora said. Quieter than a helicopter, drones cause less disruption and noise for those living and working nearby and can be operated from the ground, at a safe distance from live lines.

The programme is subject to change with inclement weather.

PHOTO: Supplied