A total of 899 power poles would be included in the inspection, from March 3-28, which started in Alexandra and will move south to Roxburgh.
Northpower has been contracted to do the work.
Aurora Energy general manager future network and operations Matt Settle said Aurora Energy regularly inspected the electricity network using different inspection and testing techniques.
"The inspection will use a drone flying along the corridor five to ten metres around the power lines, and will capture images of the network.
"A ground-based acoustic inspection will be carried out at the same time. Both inspections allow us to capture the asset integrity, to minimise customer outages and plan proactive repairs, " he said.
Letters had been sent to customers who had a power line or pole location on their property that would be included in the drone inspections.
The camera would be pointed down at all times, and residents could be assured the camera would not look at buildings or through windows, Mr Settle said.
All operations would be performed in accordance with best practice aviation safety guidelines set out and approved by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, he said.
— APL
