TransGrid patrols will check more than 13,000 kilometres of high voltage transmission lines for bushfire risk over the next three months - from the air.
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Helicopter patrols of the New England's electricity grid which started on Monday will continue for the next two weeks.
TransGrid Head of Maintenance Programs Ian Davidson said the annual safety inspections are a key part of the company's maintenance program.
"In recent years we've all seen just how devastating bushfires can be," he said.
"The helicopters will fly along transmission lines across New England to help us identify any potential fire risks so we can make repairs before they become a problem."
Specialist TransGrid teams will assess the condition of towers and transmission lines to identify any problems with the electricity grid itself.
The patrols also help identify where trees or vegetation may be growing close to lines.
Landowners are warned the patrols may startle livestock in rural areas so they may consider securing animals while they are underway.
The helicopters will fly low near transmission lines at about 50 kilometres per hour.
The patrols run statewide from May until July.
They are currently scheduled to check the lines near Armidale, Glen Innes, Tamworth and Tenterfield this week.
Next week they will inspect the grid near the towns of Armidale, Dumaresq, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Inverell, Moree, Narrabri, Sapphire, Tamworth and Texas.
This schedule is subject to change.
The patrols also help identify where trees or vegetation may be growing close to lines.
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