Electrical emergencies and outages
132 004

If you've lost power or want to report fallen powerlines

General enquiries
1300 137 008

For general enquiries, call from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

More contact numbers
 
Unexpected error

An unexpected error has occurred. Please re-enter the information submitted or call us on 1300 137 008.

Find out more 

Powerline inspections

Tasmania has a large network of powerlines and we use helicopters to inspect them. They can be slow and sometimes hover at low levels. It can be noisy, but it's also really important.

By inspecting powerlines we can ensure they’re maintained appropriately; reducing the risk of unplanned power outages and bushfires. We're working to complete the inspections as quickly as possible, to avoid disruption to residential areas and minimise disturbances to livestock. Thanks for your patience while we undertake this important work.

 

2021 helicopter inspection areas

Date:                                          Inspection areas:
22 - 28 March 2021 Highclere, Ridgley, Romaine, Mooreville, Elliot, Shorewell Park, East Cam, Somerset.
29 March - 4 April 2021 Ringarooma, Legerwood, Branxholm, Derby, Winnaleah, Tomahawk, North Scottsdale, Pioneer, Calder, Lapoinya, Yolla, Henrietta, Ridgley, Mount Hicks, Oldina, Acton.
19 April - 25 April 2021 Sandford, Clifton Beach, Cremorne.
26 April - 2 May 2021 Kingston, Margate, Electrona, Snug,  Coningham, Oyster Cove, Pelverata, Mount Nelson, Taroona, Blackmans Bay, Tinderbox, Howden, Huntingfield, Allens Rivulet, Kaoota, Sandfly, Longley, Kettering, Woodbridge, Birchs Bay, Middleton, Gordon, Garden Island Creek, Lonnavale, Wilburville, Miena.
3 - 9 May 2021 Acton Park, Cambridge, Geilston Bay, Geilston Bay, Grasstree Hill, Lauderdale, Mount Rumney, Oakdowns, Old Beach, Otago, Risdon Vale, Roches Beach, Rokeby and Seven Mile Beach.
* Please note this work is subject to change under certain circumstances such as severe weather conditions.  For more detailed information about the helicopter flight paths, please contact us on 1300 137 008.
 

Frequently asked questions

  • Why are helicopters used to inspect powerlines?

    Helicopter inspections provide us with a birds-eye view of our distribution and transmission networks and help us to identify any faults or defects we might not see from the ground.

    They also form part of our annual maintenance program, where we inspect our powerlines and other assets in high bushfire risk areas.

    Risks we look for include:

    • vegetation close to powerlines
    • bird nests
    • low hanging powerlines
    • damaged equipment.
    Using a helicopter reduces the impact to private properties as there’s no need to drive through paddocks, farms or crops.
  • How do you advise customers when and where you are flying?
    To ensure the community is aware of any upcoming helicopter line inspections, we place advertisements in various statewide newspapers and on our social and digital media channels.

    We also notify customers on our advice register within two business days before flying near their property. You can apply to go on the advice register by calling 1300 137 008 or send us an enquiry. We will require your property details and your request will then be assessed by our project team.
     
  • Can you tell me exactly when you'll be flying over my property?
    We endeavour to be as accurate as we possibly can with our flight schedule, however, due to changes in weather conditions or other unforseen circumstances, we may need to modify flight paths or in some cases, cancel inspections.

    Keep an eye on our website or on Facebook for changes to the inspection schedule.
  • Why do you need to fly at low levels?
    Helicopter line inspections aim to give us a closer look at the equipment on our poles that we can't see from the ground. It's an important way of identifying defects and minimising the risk of unexpected power outages and bushfires.
  • What is the minimum distance the helicopter might fly over my property?
    Over the coming weeks, you may see the helicopter moving slowly and sometimes at low levels. The minimum distances are as follows:

    Urban                       1000ft/300m
    Dense Urban            1000ft/300m
    Rural Residential      100-300ft/35-100m
    Rural                         100-300ft/35-100m

    When inspecting our assets, helicopters may move as slow as 30km/h to ensure they capture clear images.

    Our helicopters will maintain a height of at least 1000ft/300m over any building.  Pilots are trained in low level flying to ensure this activity is conducted safely.
  • Do you have any suggestions for managing livestock that may get startled by helicopters?

    We aim to carry out helicopter inspections as quickly as we can to minimise livestock and community disturbances.

    Wherever possible, if livestock is visible to the pilot they will move away from the property and look for an alternate approach that will not disturb the livestock.

    We notify customers on our advice register within two business days before flying near their property. To apply to go on the advice register, call 1300 137 008 or send us an enquiry. We will require your property details and your request will then be assessed by our project team.

  • Have you considered using drones to inspect powerlines?
    As technology improves over time and flying regulations change, we're open to considering drone use in the future.  Any future powerline inspection programs will be assessed and awarded to the program that can safely, technically and economically meet our data collection needs.
  • Are you allowed to fly over my property?
    There are regulations that cover how and where an aircraft can lawfully fly.  These regulations are governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and include special considerations for powerline inspection works.  To find out more, visit the CASA website.