Aurora Energy will start an acoustic and drone inspection of the two main electricity lines between Alexandra and Roxburgh next week. 

Contractor Northpower will carry out inspections over a four-week period from March 3 to 28, subject to weather conditions. 

Close to 900 power poles will be inspected, starting in Alexandra and heading south to Roxburgh. 

Aurora Energy general manager future network and operations Matt Settle said the company regularly inspects the electricity network using different inspection and testing methods.

The inspection will use a drone flying along the corridor five to ten metres around the power lines and to capture images of the network. 

“A ground-based acoustic inspection will be carried out at the same time. Both inspections allow us to capture the asset integrity, to minimise customer outages and plan proactive repairs.”

Customers who have a power line or pole located on their property that will be included in the drone inspections should have received a letter about the work.

The camera will remain pointed down at all times, and residents can be assured that the camera will not look at buildings or through windows. 

All operations are performed in accordance with best practice aviation safety guidelines set out and approved by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority. 

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