Dive Brief:
- Utilities are increasingly trying to prevent birds from being electrocuted on power lines.
- Ameren Illinois is putting plastic covers on some of its power lines to protect birds. The utility is focusing on lines near raptor nests. Raptors and migratory birds are protected by federal law.
- All of Ameren's new power line poles are “100%” avian safe, according to the utility.
Dive Insight:
Ameren used to record 100 to 150 raptor deaths a year. Now the utility is seeing about 10 to 15 deaths a year thanks to its focus on improving power line safety for birds. Besides benefiting birds and other animals, preventing their deaths may also reduce power outages. The squirrels, possums, and pelicans say thank you.