Public Enemy #1: The Electric Power Research Institute, a nonprofit analysis group in CA, referred to squirrels as “Public Enemy Number One” for utilities.

Animal interference with electric power facilities account for 12 percent of all electricity outages, according to Richard Harness, a wildlife biologist with EDM international, a utility consulting firm in Fort Collins, Co. The other 67% of outages are weather related.

Utilities can prevent, or at least reduce, animal-caused outages. Utilities need to develop strategies. Strategies may include the use of protectors, guards, covers, caps or shields. LEHMAN ELECTRICAL RESOURCES can assist you in determining what strategies work best for you.