Endeavour Energy’s is already preparing for next summer with its annual inspection of more than 160,000 poles in bushfire prone areas now underway to help keep communities safe and the network reliable during the bushfire season.
Drones, equipped with high-definition cameras, will fly directly above powerlines accurately identifying equipment in need of repair with pin-point precision, making sure the network is well prepared ahead of each and every bushfire season.
“Endeavour Energy switched from helicopter to drone inspections in 2024 with the shift leading to greater efficiency, speed, and precision, while also significantly reducing any impact on customers and the environment,” said Steve Lette, Head of Digital and Insights at Endeavour Energy.
“Over recent years, we have progressively embedded the use of drones as a core part of our inspection program. This technology allows us to conduct inspections more effectively by reducing noise and disruption for local communities, enabling faster and more accurate assessment of powerlines, poles and other assets, and improving visibility of hard‑to‑reach equipment in bushfire‑prone areas. The use of drones has also enabled more precise, risk‑based targeting of poles in high‑risk locations, further reducing bushfire risk.
“These aerial patrols are one of the most visible parts of our year-round bushfire preparedness program – identifying potential risks early so we can carry out maintenance before summer peaks,” he said.
Endeavour Energy drones are easy to identify. They are bright orange, fly directly along powerlines, and are accompanied by an Endeavour Energy pilot on the ground. Drones will fly in bushfire prone areas within the Endeavour Energy region over the next 6 months.
Endeavour Energy understands the importance of communication with its customers. To keep residents informed, customers will receive SMS notifications in advance of a drone inspection near their property. If you have any questions or want more details about the program, you can contact Endeavour Energy at 131 003 or visit https://www.endeavourenergy.com.au/aerial-patrols
For media enquiries, to arrange an interview, photos or video footage please contact:
Media contact
M Rebecca Hill: 0409 664 608
E Rebecca.Hill@endeavourenergy.com.au
About Endeavour Energy
Endeavour Energy is a trusted supplier of safe, reliable and affordable power to over 2.8 million people living and working within Sydney’s fastest growing economies. As one of the most efficient electricity distribution business in NSW, Endeavour Energy is focused on powering the Central West NSW, the Blue Mountains, Greater Western Sydney, the Southern Highlands, the Illawarra and the South Coast of NSW.
Since 1890, we have expanded our footprint to be at the forefront of Australia’s energy industry in integrating traditional and renewable energy sources. Our mission is to leverage the latest technology and data to plan the grid of tomorrow where batteries, microgrids and solar integrate seamlessly with the traditional distribution network to power communities for a brighter future.