We're improving how we inspect our network to ensure it's running as safely and reliably as possible.
We've been capturing information on our network assets like poles and wires using advanced sensors in high resolution.
The information we collect will help us monitor the ‘health’ of the electricity network in your town so you can continue to enjoy safe and reliable power. It will also mean:
- A reduction in how often we need to access land
- A reduction in the types of risk our crews are exposed to in their day-to-day-job
- High level of vegetation inspection to help us prioritise where and when works crews will be required on site
We will be able to collect power line clearances over roads and make this information more readily available. This new way of inspecting our network will reduce how
often we need to access land as well as the types of risk our crews are exposed to in their day-to-day jobs.
If you have any questions, get in contact with your local Horizon Power office.
Capturing better information about our operational assets
Currently, we inspect our network by having our crew drive or walk alongside powerlines over long distances This can sometimes involve accessing land that is environmentally sensitive, could damage crops or are generally difficult to access.
We’ll be using a combination of drones, helicopters and vehicles with advanced sensors to fly over our network and capture our network assets like poles and wires in high resolution.
Enabling a safer, more reliable network
The information we collect will help us monitor the ‘health’ of the electricity network in your town so you can continue to enjoy safe and reliable power.
Some additional benefits include a high level of vegetation inspection, helping to prioritise where and when works crews will be required on site.
Flying through network maintenance
This new way of inspecting our network will reduce how often we need to access land, reducing the impact on businesses and residents when we need to carry out maintenance.
Our aircraft do create noise and cause concern to livestock as the aircraft passes over the power lines on agricultural properties. If we have your up to date contact details you’ll get notified by SMS before we fly over your property.
If you see or hear a Horizon Power aircraft or vehicle in operation, please be patient and know we are working as efficiently and effectively as we can to keep you, and our network safe.
You may see our crew inspecting the network with...
Cars
Drones
Helicopters
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How do I know it’s a Horizon Power Drone?
We’ll be operating any drones near a Horizon Power vehicle, which you’ll be able to see nearby. Our contractors flying the drones will have Horizon Power clearly marked on their vehicles.
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Why are you now performing aerial inspections?
Currently, we inspect our network by having our crew drive or walk alongside powerlines over long distances. This can sometimes involve accessing land that is environmentally sensitive, could damage crops or are generally difficult to access.
This new way of inspecting our network will reduce the types of risk our crews are exposed to in their day-to-day jobs as well as reducing how often we need to access land.
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Can I use my own drone to send you footage?
No. This is because our drone pilots have undertaken training specific to inspecting powerlines and identifying issues. Our drones are also fitted with advanced sensors that are designed to work specifically with our inspection systems.
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How will my privacy be respected?
We're only capturing data that is necessary to help us run a safe and reliable network. That means no personal information is collected, and we will only use the information for the purposes of maintaining and improving our network.
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Will you carry out ground-based inspections still?
Aerial inspections will improve the way we inspect and maintain our network overall. We'll still be conducting ground based inspections as required.
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Who do I contact if I have questions?
You can contact your local Horizon Power office here.
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Do aerial inspections create noise?
Our aircraft do create noise and cause concern to livestock as the aircraft passes over the power lines on agricultural properties.
If you see or hear a Horizon Power aircraft in operation, please be patient and know we are working as efficiently and effectively as we can to keep you, and our network safe.
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What regulations do the pilots follow
We use third party pilots who follow Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements and meet all necessary regulations.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.