Celebrating National Squirrel Day: Keeping Wildlife Safe and The Lights On

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy is highlighting its wildlife protection efforts on National Squirrel Day, addressing the fact that wildlife causes approximately 8% of power outages annually. The company has implemented nearly 600 animal mitigation projects since 2012, resulting in over 90% of their substations being fully protected against wildlife intrusion.

The company's Reliability Roadmap includes various protective measures such as gate foundations, polycarbonate barriers, bushing guards, and pole wraps. These initiatives have shown positive results, with customers experiencing an average reduction in power outage time of over 20 minutes last year. The company serves 6.8 million Michigan residents across 68 Lower Peninsula counties with natural gas and electricity services.

Positive

• Reduced customer power outage time by over 20 minutes in the previous year
• 90% of substations now protected against wildlife intrusion
• Completed 600 animal mitigation projects since 2012

Negative

• Wildlife still causes 8% of power outages annually

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Reliability Roadmap Protects Critters with Animal Mitigation Solutions

JACKSON, Mich., Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy joins the nation in celebrating National Squirrel Day by highlighting our ongoing efforts to protect wildlife while ensuring we keep the lights on in your neighborhood. Though squirrels may be small, their big curiosity can lead to trouble when they explore our substations and equipment, leading to unexpected outages. Annually, about 8% of power outages are caused by wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, and other animals.

To address this issue, we're working to upgrade our infrastructure to deter wildlife and strengthen the grid as part of our Reliability Roadmap. Since 2012, we've done nearly 600 animal mitigation projects so that today, more than 90% of our substations are fully protected against furry intruders. These enhancements include:

• Gate Foundations: Creating barriers that prevent animals from burrowing under or sneaking through entry points.
  
  
• Polycarbonate Barriers: Durable and transparent shields that block access to critical equipment without harming wildlife.
  
  
• Bushing Guards: A cage-like structure designed to protect breaker and transformer bushings so that animals can't disrupt the equipment.
  
  
• Pole Wraps: Specialized coverings installed on utility poles to prevent climbing and reduce the risk of accidental contact.

"Our goal is to create a win-win for both wildlife and our customers," said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric distribution. "By proactively installing these mitigation measures, we're preventing outages and ensuring that squirrels, raccoons, and other animals stay safe and away from harm."

Our efforts to adapt with nature and build a smarter and more resilient grid are paying off. We reduced customers' average time without power by over 20 minutes last year. Other tactics in the Reliability Roadmap include infrared cameras, more durable iron poles and even a robotic dog.

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.  

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy 
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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

How much has Consumers Energy reduced power outage times in 2024?

Consumers Energy reduced customers' average time without power by over 20 minutes in the previous year through their Reliability Roadmap initiatives.

What percentage of Consumers Energy substations are protected against wildlife?

Over 90% of Consumers Energy's substations are fully protected against wildlife intrusion through various mitigation measures.

How many animal mitigation projects has Consumers Energy completed since 2012?

Consumers Energy has completed nearly 600 animal mitigation projects since 2012.

What percentage of power outages are caused by wildlife at Consumers Energy?

Approximately 8% of power outages at Consumers Energy are caused by wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, and other animals.

How many Michigan residents does Consumers Energy serve?

Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million residents across 68 Lower Peninsula counties in Michigan with natural gas and/or electricity services.