Flight risk: keep drones away from powerlines

With more people receiving drones as gifts, including children, our crews have increasingly been called out to remove drones that have become stuck in powerlines.

Area Manager Renee Kath said these incidents could cause significant power outages.

“We’ve steadily seen a rise in the number of drones being flown into powerlines and it’s not just a nuisance; it can be dangerous.

“In some cases, a drone stuck in powerlines has caused extended power outages, affecting thousands of homes and businesses.

“It’s important that people understand the risks involved and take care to avoid flying near any of our electricity assets,” she said.

While drones can offer hours of fun, Ms Kath warned that flying them near powerlines could put the pilots and bystanders at risk.

“The last thing anyone wants is for their Christmas present to end up tangled in a live powerline, bringing down wires and threatening the community's safety.

“We recommend parents supervise children who are using drones to ensure they don’t fly anywhere near electrical infrastructure.

“And if the worst occurs and a drone gets caught in powerlines, a substation, or transformer, it is vital that you don’t try and remove it because there’s a real risk of a life-threatening electric shock or worse.

“The best measure should the drone become stuck in powerlines or similar electrical assets is to call us on 13 19 62,” Ms Kath said.