Asset management and planning general manager Glenn Coates said the inspections were part of an independent review, commissioned by Aurora, to get "a comprehensive assessment'' of the state of the network.
Drones would be used to visually inspect the condition of a sample of overhead power lines and pole-top equipment in Dunedin and Wanaka, and the physical condition of those assets would be compared with the recorded asset condition.
Mr Coates said the drone flights in Dunedin would take place over the next six weeks. One hundred and thirty-five inspection sites had been selected, including flying the length of the high voltage line from Halfway Bush to Port Chalmers.
"The work will involve a drone flying above and adjacent to the line at low levels at selected sites, mostly located on public roads.
"All flying will be done with the drone in line of sight, on week days and during daylight hours.
"Once the Dunedin inspections are complete, the operators will begin inspections in the Wanaka area.''
Mr Coates understood there were privacy concerns surrounding the use of drones and assured the community that drone operators were qualified and would follow all relevant regulations.
"Any asset images gathered by the drones are stored securely and used for network management purposes only.''
He said the inspections provided a "valuable opportunity'' for Aurora to assess the use of the new technology first hand, and evaluate its future application on the network for regular inspection and maintenance.
"We are currently assessing the feasibility of available technologies to assess the conditions of overhead spans and the tops of poles, including infrared and corona cameras, either pole-mounted or attached to a drone or helicopter.
"Using drones has some potential advantages over existing techniques, particularly where we need to access equipment in difficult or remote terrain.
"Much quieter than a helicopter, drones cause less disruption and noise for those living and working nearby and can be operated from the ground, at a safe distance from live lines,'' Mr Coates said.
