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Canberra Today 25°/29° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Don’t panic, ActewAGL are doing helicopter inspections

ACTEWAGL say their maintenance program is a crucial part of ensuring the safety of our community during bushfire season.

“Keeping vegetation clear of powerlines is paramount to preventing fires,” ActewAGL Manager Works Delivery Clinton McAlister said.

“As well as inspecting powerlines from the ground throughout Canberra, we use helicopter patrols that fly approximately 250 metres above ground to carry out inspections.

“This year the patrols will run from late January through February (weather permitting), and are an essential part of our vegetation management program.

“The helicopter patrol is a significant part of our overall network maintenance program and bushfire mitigation strategy. Trees and vegetation growing too close to powerlines can cause blackouts and create safety hazards such as grass fires and bushfires. Trees and vegetation can also restrict access, preventing essential maintenance from being carried out.

“The helicopter uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing technology to determine the distance between powerlines and vegetation. Vegetation deemed too close to powerlines are prioritised for cutting by ActewAGL’s authorised service providers in rural areas, or notifications are sent to customers or ACT Government depending on where trees are located in suburban areas.”

To complement our bushfire mitigation program, we ask that you stay vigilant all year round and report electricity network hazards by calling us on 13 10 93. This includes damaged or vandalised equipment such as poles, wires or open substation doors and vegetation overhanging powerlines in parks and reserves.

For more safety tips visit actewagl.com.au/safety

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