Helicopters were undergoing checks via the air, inspecting vegetation and powerlines in the region for electricity distributor Powercor.

The helicopters, have industry-leading technology on board and establish a unique aerial services capability to support Powercor's annual vegetation management program.

The helicopters will fly above powerlines at just over 300 metres at a speed of about 130kmh.

They have been fitted with a Riegl sensor system which uses LiDAR scanning technology to accurately measure the distance between any tree branches or other vegetation and the electricity network.

The data creates a 3D image of the entire network and this is analysed by an internal team of highly-qualified data analysts to help inform Powercor's annual tree-cutting schedule. Each time the network is inspected, more is learned about the different environmental conditions and vegetation growing rates across the region.

Powercor Head of Vegetation Management, Hugh Vickers-Willis said the data can be used to create an accurate digital model of the electricity network and its surroundings.

"This data helps ensure we identify which trees to cut, by how much and when," Mr Vickers-Willis said.

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"This is all about community safety and it's something we're continuing to invest in as we work to keep the network safe and reliable."

Mr Vickers-Willis said Powercor had recently brought its aerial inspections 'in house', rather than using external contractors, which has delivered significant improvements in safety, data quality, flexibility and efficiency.

"By making these improvements to our aerial services, we are further reducing the risk of fire and improving the reliability of the network," Mr Vickers-Willis said.

Vegetation management is part of Powercor's broader bushfire mitigation program, which also includes an extensive asset inspection and maintenance program, and the installation of new safety technology on the network.

Powercor is responsible for the cutting and removal of trees near its 86,000km of powerlines within the boundaries of private properties and on public land, in order to maintain the required safe clearance space.

The helicopters are operated by the network's affiliate business, Beon Aerial Services.

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