While SA Power Networks is leading the industry in its development of advanced drone capabilities - for example, long range operations - our 'tool-of-trade' drones are increasingly being utilised to help identify discrete or hard-to-spot faults on the network.

As well as reducing the number of repeat outages, our drone patrols are improving safety by reducing the need for our crews to traverse customers’ properties or navigate challenging terrain to inspect overhead equipment for damage.

Crews in the State’s southeast have experienced regular reclose issues on a local feeder, and by using drone technology, they were able to quickly identify and fix the fault – you can see in the below photo that from the ground, the cause of the repeat power outage would have been extremely difficult to spot.

Picture: Some damage is nearly impossible to spot by a ground patrol and drones assist to see our assets from the air.

“We are entering exciting times at SA Power Networks with technological advances in remotely piloted aircraft – our drones,” explained Rhys Evans, Operations Manager Fleurieu.

“Our organisation’s drone program has been in place for several years, with the number of pilots growing and flight hours increasing across the business.”

Picture: Locations of SAPN drone flights across the State in 2024.

There are many operational advantages to the use of drones, including increased safety, environmental, customer and financial outcomes.

“We’ve recorded a number of successful flights this year, with some hard-to-find faults identified by our drones. While this is still relatively new within SA Power Networks, the future is exciting and the possibilities endless.”

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Read more about how we do powerline inspections by aerial drones.