Western Power to expand use of drone fleet to boost power reliability for communities like Kalgoorlie-Boulder

WA’s power network operator is set to expand the use of its drone “arsenal” in a move hoped to boost power reliability for Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Western Power has announced plans to explore more uses for a fleet of 24 drones currently used for power line stringing and fault-finding patrols A series of trials will explore whether the drones can remotely apply silicone to live insulators, map powerlines and install attachments to powerlines to deter wildlife. Kalgoorlie-Boulder experienced a severe outage in January after a storm brought down transmission towers, and backup generators failed to work efficiently. When asked if the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community could feel more confident in their power network, Energy Minister Reece Whitby said there was nothing the State Government could do to control the effects of extreme weather. “No system in the world is immune from the effects of severe weather or a blackout, but this certainly will increase the security and reliability of supply,” he said. “Everything we do to monitor and to improve the lines, to make sure that the lines are in their best condition possible, will increase reliability power right across the network.” When announcing the drone expansion, Western Power chief executive Sam Barbaro said the drones could speed up the response to power outages. “I think in addition to preventing faults is when we do have faults, we’ll be able to deploy this equipment which will be able to fly the line a lot more quickly than driving,” he said. “We’ll be able to inspect our lines a lot more quickly, which will mean we’ll be able to restore power a lot more quickly, which is a real positive for customers of Western Australia.”