MILD WINTER INCREASES THREAT TO NORTH AMERICAN SUBSTATIONS

So far this winter, we’ve had it easy. In fact, the eastern U.S. is experiencing yet another warmer-than-normal winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

But this most recent warm winter could lead to yet another season of huge headaches for utilities and other power providers, according to the research team at TransGard. TransGard is a leading provider of animal-deterrent equipment — including the TransGard fence, and the Laser Bird Defense system — that currently safeguards more than 4,200 North American substations.

The above-average temperatures across the U.S. could create a population explosion among squirrels, raccoons, snakes and other species — increases that could mean trouble for unprotected substations. Here are key facts from researchers about species that have historically caused most outages:

• SQUIRRELS – Gray squirrels give birth to litters during March. With more squirrels surviving through the winter, substations will have to fend off more squirrels … thousands of them.
• BIRDS – Warmer winters change migratory and breeding patterns among many species of birds, putting substations at risk for roosting populations that can cause damage and outages.
• SNAKES – Scientists note that the unusually warm winter disrupts the natural hibernation and reproduction of snakes — leading to an increased threat for substation incursions.

“Warm weather is spurring animals to leave their winter shelter much sooner than usual in search of food,” says Greg Freeman, TransGard’s president. “Historically, warmer temperatures can mean spring substation outages will start earlier and occur more frequently.”


The problems are already starting for substations in various parts of the U.S. Operators from Ohio through the Carolinas and into Florida have already reported animal-related outages.

Substation operators who have experienced problems with animal-caused outages should consider mitigation strategies for the remainder of 2024. Even substations that have no history of animal incursion may be at risk due to shifting and spiking animal populations.


TransGard offers a complimentary Site Audit that reveals areas of concern for substation operators seeking to avoid animal incursions.

To arrange an audit, just click the link below: