We own and operate Victoria’s electricity transmission network and one of the five distribution networks.
Each year our Aerial Operations Program inspects around 40,000 poles on our electricity network from the air.
We use specialised helicopters and crew to thoroughly inspect overhead powerlines and poles to make sure the electricity supply across the AusNet distribution network remains safe and reliable.
Why we use helicopters
Helicopters significantly reduce the time taken to inspect an area. They allow a bird’s-eye view for us to identify, monitor and repair any wear and tear or potential risks to supply, such as deterioration on the topside of poles.
We're aware that noise from helicopters can present a risk to some livestock. That's why our specialised pilots remain alert for livestock and, where possible, change course to avoid unsettling animals.
Playing a vital role in keeping communities safe
Our aerial team also provides rapid response to assess damage and resolve any faults/outages that occur on the network after a severe weather event, such as storms, floods, or bushfires.
SAIP Patrols – May 2025
On Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May we’ll begin the first phase of inspections on our transmission network using a smart aerial image processing system (SAIP).
This system uses a high-resolution image capture program to capture a continuous stream of digital images of all 6500 kilometres of our high-voltage powerlines. Its software then processes the images and identifies any potential defects.
These inspections help us provide safe and reliable electricity to our communities. The maps below show where you may see our helicopters.
We’ll begin the second phase of our SAIP inspections in June.
LiDAR Survey – May/June 2025
From Monday 26 May to Sunday 1 June, we will be conducting an Aerial LiDAR Survey on our Transmission network in a fixed-wing aircraft.
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and the images we collect will help us find any trees or foliage that is too close to the powerlines, as part of our annual vegetation management program. This program is designed to keep the easements clear and make sure high-risk trees are identified. Works to trim or remove vegetation will take place throughout the year, once data has been analysed. These inspections help us provide safe and reliable electricity to our communities. We will be flying at 1200ft, the maps below show where you may see our aircraft.
Thermal patrols – May 2025
From Monday 19 to Friday 23 May we will be conducting thermal inspections on our transmission network.
Our aerial team will use a handheld thermal camera to identify any wear and tear on the lines and inspect all conductors and hardware on the transmission towers. We'll be looking for any abnormal thermal signatures that could impact the electricity supply.
These inspections help us provide safe and reliable electricity to our communities. The map below shows where you may see our helicopters.
