INDYNR.COM
If residents see drones in the sky, it may be Essential Energy crews are using them to inspect electricity infrastructure across Kyogle and surrounding areas.
The work may include using drones in some urban areas where poles, powerlines or other infrastructure need to be inspected.
Essential Energy asset inspection manager Jayson Hennessy said drones had transformed how the network is managed and maintained.
“Using drone technology as part of our asset inspections reduces the need for crews to climb assets or access difficult terrain, reducing risk but also helping us to respond faster to issues that could impact network reliability or safety,” Mr Hennessy said. 
Essential Energy first trialled drones in 2016 and now operates a fleet of more than 100.
All drone operations are conducted under a Civil Aviation Safety Authority licence and follow strict safety and privacy protocols. The operations are focused solely on inspecting Essential Energy’s infrastructure and do not involve surveillance or the collection of personal data.
To learn more about drone inspections, go here.