Small Animals, Big Outages

When you think of what causes power outages, what comes to mind? Storms, fallen trees, wind? How about…squirrels?

That’s right. Small animals can cause big outages, and are, in fact, one of the leading causes of power outages across the country. A 2023 study by the American Public Power Association found that squirrels are the third most common reason for power outages nationwide, causing more than 7,000 outages annually. Across the country, squirrels rank behind only trees and equipment failure. In some regions, such as the Midwest, they are actually the leading cause of outages.

Animals aren’t trying to interfere with the electric system – they’re simply looking for a place to perch, somewhere to nest, or a quick way to travel. Problems occur when an animal chews through wires, comes into contact with two energized parts of electrical equipment, or comes into contact with an energized part and a grounded surface at the same time.

This creates a short circuit, causing protective devices to operate and interrupt power to prevent damage to the system.

Protecting the electrical system from small animals and keeping the lights on for our members starts with prevention. Jones-Onslow EMC uses special devices called wildlife guards, often referred to as squirrel guards. These devices help protect the parts of the electrical system that are most vulnerable to animal contact, such as transformer connections.

These guards also protect animals by reducing the risk of contact with energized equipment. At substations, preventive measures include fencing and protective barriers designed to keep snakes and other wildlife away from critical equipment.

In addition to wildlife guards installed on transformers and other equipment, Jones-Onslow EMC uses protective devices throughout the electric system that help isolate faults when animal contact occurs. These devices can quickly disconnect affected equipment, reducing damage and limiting the extent of outages.

While these measures reduce the number and extent of critter-caused outages, wildlife can still find its way into the electrical system. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and even the best prevention efforts cannot eliminate every encounter between animals and electrical equipment.

So, when squirrels hop on transformers, snakes find their way into substations, and birds make contact with power lines, your co-op is ready to respond. Jones-Onslow EMC crews work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, helping ensure that even the smallest troublemakers don’t keep the lights out for long.