Western Power to expand use of drones this summer

Western Power is looking to expand the use of drone technology in monitoring its assets this summer. Its network is among the largest in Australia, with several rural distribution feeders that are more than 100 km in length and pass through areas of bushfire risk.

The WA network operator already uses 24 drones — or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — for asset inspections, patrols, powerline stringing, fault finding and reporting.

Now, it is exploring the further use of this technology in a series of trials. These will test whether UAVs can be used to remotely apply silicone to live insulators to reduce the risk of pole-top fires; map powerlines to accelerate decision-making; and install attachments to powerlines to deter wildlife and increase visibility.

Investigations into whether UAVs could also be used for other purposes, including to monitor site security or to install sensors that can monitor the real-time capacity of overhead power transmission lines, are also underway.

The WA Government said that UAVs would be particularly important over the summer months, as drone monitoring is faster than vehicle or foot patrols in reducing the duration of power outages.

“Having sweltered through record-breaking heat last summer, I’m glad to see Western Power is on the front foot in investigating whether these drones could be used to reduce the risk of fires or faults and ensure power supply in our state’s south-west is as reliable as possible,” said Energy Minister Reece Whitby.

The drone technology complements Western Power’s annual $1 billion network investment, which covers regular insulator replacement and treatment, as well as vegetation pruning near wires.

“Thanks to Labor’s ongoing commitment to keeping Western Power in public hands, Western Australian taxpayers own the poles and wires that bring electricity to our homes and businesses,” Whitby said.

“That means we can continue government investment in securing a reliable network.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Matt Day