What are the most effective ways to prevent animal intrusions on power transmission lines?

1 Identify the risks

The first step to prevent animal intrusions is to identify the potential risks and sources of attraction for different animals. For example, some animals may be attracted by the warmth, shelter, or food availability of the transmission structures, while others may be curious, territorial, or migratory. The type of animal also determines the level of risk and the type of damage they can cause. For instance, birds, squirrels, and snakes can cause flashovers or short circuits by bridging the gap between conductors or between conductors and ground. Larger animals, such as deer, bears, or cattle, can damage the poles, towers, or fences by rubbing, scratching, or colliding with them.

2 Install deterrent devices

The second step to prevent animal intrusions is to install deterrent devices that discourage or prevent animals from accessing or approaching the transmission lines. There are various types of deterrent devices, such as barriers, guards, spikes, repellents, noise makers, or optical devices. The choice of deterrent device depends on the animal species, the transmission structure, and the environmental conditions. For example, barriers and guards can be used to cover or shield the exposed parts of the conductors, insulators, or equipment. Spikes, repellents, noise makers, or optical devices can be used to create discomfort, fear, or confusion for the animals.

4 Educate and cooperate with stakeholders

The fourth step to prevent animal intrusions is to educate and cooperate with the relevant stakeholders, such as landowners, wildlife agencies, environmental groups, or the public. This involves informing them about the risks and impacts of animal intrusions on power transmission lines, and the benefits and limitations of the prevention measures. It also involves seeking their feedback, support, or participation in the prevention efforts, and respecting their rights and interests. For example, landowners may need to grant access to their property for installing or maintaining the deterrent devices. Wildlife agencies may need to provide guidance or permits for handling or relocating the animals. Environmental groups may need to monitor or evaluate the effects of the deterrent devices on the animal welfare or biodiversity. The public may need to report or avoid any animal intrusions they witness or encounter.

5 Adopt best practices and standards

The fifth step to prevent animal intrusions is to adopt best practices and standards for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of power transmission lines. This involves following the recommendations and guidelines of the industry associations, regulatory bodies, or research organizations that address the issue of animal intrusions. It also involves updating and improving the prevention measures based on the latest technologies, innovations, or experiences. For example, some of the best practices and standards for preventing animal intrusions include the IEEE 1264-2015 Guide for Animal Deterrents for Electric Power Substations, the CIGRE TB 761 Guide for Reducing Bird Collisions with Overhead Lines, and the EPRI 3002013126 Wildlife Interaction with Power Systems: Best Practices Guide.

6 Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency

The sixth step to prevent animal intrusions is to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the prevention measures. This involves measuring and comparing the results and outcomes of the prevention measures against the objectives and criteria. It also involves identifying and addressing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or threats of the prevention measures. For example, some of the indicators and metrics for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the prevention measures include the frequency, duration, and severity of animal intrusions, the costs, benefits, and risks of the prevention measures, and the feedback, satisfaction, and compliance of the stakeholders.