TransGrid commences aerial patrols across New South Wales

TransGrid will take to the skies over the coming weeks to conduct aerial patrols of high voltage powerlines across the state.

The inspections are part of TransGrid’s annual maintenance program and will commence on Tuesday 26 August 2014.

TransGrid, the owner and operator of the New South Wales high voltage transmission network, will use a specialist team, high-tech equipment and helicopters to fly adjacent to power lines to conduct the essential inspections.

TransGrid’s Community Relations Manager Laura Stewart said “excellent planning and expertise is required to maintain up to 12,800 kilometres of high voltage transmission line across the New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.”

“These helicopter patrols are critical to identify potential faults, ensuring maintenance work can be planned and reliability levels of more than 99 per cent are maintained.”

"A routine maintenance strategy, designed specifically for transmission structures, is in place to ensure all structures are regularly inspected. This strategy is fundamental in ensuring the reliability and security of the lines.”

Weather permitting; the helicopter inspections will take place from late August through to early October.

TransGrid will make every effort to minimise noise generated while undertaking the aerial patrols, which will occur between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

“TransGrid thanks the community for their understanding and patience as this essential maintenance work is carried out,” Ms Stewart added.

To see if inspections will take place in your area, please refer to the table below or call TransGrid’s toll-free community hotline on 1800 222 537 for more details or email community@TransGrid.com.au.

*This schedule is subject to change

TransGrid has been an integral part of delivering electricity to the people of New South Wales (NSW) for more than 60 years.

It owns and operates one of the largest high-voltage transmission networks in Australia, up to 12,800 kilometres of transmission line and more than 90 substations, connecting generators distributors and major end-users in NSW and the ACT and also has links to Queensland and Victoria, facilitating interstate energy trading. Its operations are closely regulated to ensure power system security and TransGrid’s aim is to provide a safe, reliable, efficient and world-class electricity supply from power generators to distributors, which then deliver the electricity to homes across the state.

Further details can be found on our Facebook page and also Twitter @TransGrid.