Innovative bird deterrent lasers provide successful results at substations that are plagued by bird-caused power outages. This high-tech solution to a longstanding problem will help substation operators prevent outages, improve reliability, and reduce repair and equipment costs.
Birds are the No. 2 cause of power outages in the U.S., according to a December 2015 report by T&D World, an online publication that covers matters relating to the electric power-delivery system. An IEEE survey reported that 86% of the utility companies that responded indicated birds caused major problems in substations, second only to squirrels. Electrical substations are plagued by bird roosting and bird droppings. One bird left 24,000 people without power in San Diego, California, in November last year by coming into contact with a substation, affecting schools and residents in the area. Many were without power for hours.
The currently available bird deterrents — coverups, noisemakers, fake predators, fog machines — only provide temporary, spotty relief. Lasers offer a superior alternative and a long-term solution. The AVIX Autonomic laser bird deterrent technology takes advantage of bird’s natural instincts. Birds perceive an approaching laser beam as a predator and flee to seek safety when the laser beam passes by. There are a couple of thousand users of the bird deterrent lasers worldwide. TransGard, a leading expert in animal-deterrence at substations, confirmed the need for this technology. “15 utility companies in 10 U.S. states are already using the AVIX Autonomic lasers,” said Bill Reichard, TransGard President. “Power outages have a serious impact on our daily life. Autonomic lasers offer a unique — and uniquely effective — solution. They will be able to protect hundreds of substations at risk for bird-caused outages.”
The AVIX Autonomic lasers are designed and manufactured by Bird Control Group. Their laser products have demonstrated their effectiveness in a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, aquaculture, commercial buildings and airports.
Steinar Henskes, CEO of Bird Control Group, is excited about helping utility companies to solve their bird problems. “I am proud that we can now provide the utility market with a successful bird deterrence solution, next to the other sectors we are also serving.”
About Bird Control Group
In a world with increasing demands for food, effective and long-lasting bird control is crucial. Bird Control Group provides innovative products to keep birds at a distance from commercial activities, ensuring a safer working environment and a highly effective way of damage prevention. The World Wildlife Fund awarded lasers of Bird Control Group for innovation, effectiveness and animal friendliness.
Bird Control Group serves customers in aviation, agriculture, industry, oil & gas, recreation and real estate. Customers include Portland International Airport, Shell and Total. Bird Control Group operates in more than 90 countries worldwide with offices in the United States and The Netherlands. Bird Control Group is a Deloitte Technology Fast50 Rising Star.
For more information, visit www.birdcontrolgroup.com.
Contact
Craig Crossley | Executive Director USA Bird Control Group
P: (503) 850-4138
C: (401) 330-6135
Steinar Henskes | CEO Bird Control Group
P: +31 612 547 378
P: +31 23 230 2030
About TransGard
Every year, animals cause hundreds of substation power outages that leave thousands of homes without power—and cost millions in repairs. TransGard is the expert in providing solutions against animal incursion for substations. TransGard is recognized by the IEEE for their effective solutions.
For more information, visit www.transgardfence.com.
Contact
Bill Reichard | President TransGard
P: (717) 900-6140
P: (717) 817-6745
