Ausgrid is using a specialist helicopter to survey major powerlines and locate hotspots on the network.
Infrared cameras will help identify potential defects in the system which could pose a bushfire risk, with this year's fire danger period already in place.
You might spot the chopper flying around the Hunter from today (Tuesday 4th September) through to Thursday 6th from 7:30am til 5pm.
Ausgrid Engineering Officer Scott Wedesweiler said the operation covers over 150 kilometres of powerlines.
"We travel from Mt Colah up through the Central Coast, all the way up to the Hunter region - we patrol at a low altitude looking for hotspots," he explained.
Mr Wedesweiler said residents should take precautions so pets and livestock don't get scared.
"The chopper will fly pretty much the height of the powerlines," he said, "and for landowners that have livestock, we'd prefer them to house the animals so they don't get spooked by the noise."
Crews are taking to the skies in areas like Toronto, West Wallsend, Heddon Greta and Killingworth.
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| Thermal imaging as it appears on the infrared camera. |
