Sadales tīkls to inspect power lines in Bauska municipality using drones and helicopter
Latvia's electricity distribution operator Sadales tīkls will soon carry out scheduled power line inspections using drones and a helicopter in Bauska municipality. Landowners whose property lies along the flight routes will be notified in advance.
AS Sadales tīkls, Latvia's electricity distribution system operator, will soon conduct scheduled inspections of power lines in Bauska municipality using drones and a helicopter. The company told the news portal that the visual material collected will be used solely to assess the technical condition of the grid.
Landowners whose properties lie along the planned flight routes will be notified before the work begins. Those who have provided contact details through the company's client portal, www.e-st.lv, will receive a text message or email. Owners whose contact information is not available to the company will instead receive a notice by mail sent to their declared address.
Why the inspections matter
The company explains that regular power line inspection is an essential part of grid maintenance, allowing it to assess the technical condition of the network, identify potential risks, and verify compliance with safety requirements. Data gathered during inspections is analyzed in real time, enabling quick detection of deviations from normal conditions and prompt decisions on necessary maintenance or repairs. Combining different data sources also helps assess infrastructure condition more precisely and plan investment in grid development more effectively.
According to the company, early detection of damage helps prevent potential accidents, reduces the risk of unplanned power outages, and increases the operational safety of the grid. Drones are also used to inspect the network after storms or other damage, helping to identify problem areas and restore power more quickly.
How to recognize the company's drones
Maps of planned drone routes are available on the Sadales tīkls website. During inspections, drones fly only within power line corridors and their protection zones, staying relatively close to the lines, and quadcopter-type drones are used. The pilot always stays within visual range of the drone and is either a Sadales tīkls employee or an authorized partner wearing work clothing, able to present identification if asked.
The company asks residents to be understanding about the use of drones for this purpose. In 2026, Sadales tīkls, together with companies RAW and Metrum, plans to inspect power lines across the whole of Latvia to detect damage early and improve the reliability of electricity supply.
