Aurora Energy to begin helicopter-based patrol on Upper Clutha power lines
30 June 2025The patrol is scheduled to take place this week, but will be postponed to the following week if poor weather stops the work from going ahead.
Aurora Energy General Manager Future Network and Operations Matt Settle says that this work is one of several ways Aurora Energy regularly inspects the electricity network.
“This patrol allows us to assess the asset integrity, minimise customer outages, and plan proactive repairs. During this work we will be flying directly adjacent to and above the power lines and capturing imagery.
“We’ve chosen to use the MD-explorer helicopter to minimise the impact on customers. This type of helicopter is much quieter because it has no tail rotor,” he says.
Letters have been sent to customers who have a power line located either on, or within 15m, of their property that will be included in the helicopter patrol. 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. Any photos and video footage is captured and managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1993.
ENDS