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Squirrels Spark Power Outages in Trichy!
13 Jul
Summary
- Squirrels cause short circuits on electricity poles and substations.
- Peacocks and crows also contribute to unexpected power cuts.
- Identifying faulty poles is a major challenge for Tangedco workers.
Residents of Trichy are enduring persistent power supply disruptions, with the summer heat showing no signs of abating. These outages are frequently caused by animals, notably squirrels, which cause short circuits by running into overhead power cables and insulators. These incidents occur at substations and electricity poles, often during peak morning hours, leading to numerous complaints.
Beyond squirrels, peacocks and crows have also been identified as disruptors of power distribution in certain green areas. Tangedco officials report that these sporadic incidents are recurring across urban areas. While power is typically restored within 30 minutes of a complaint, pinpointing the exact faulty electricity pole among numerous sections is a considerable challenge for repair crews.
Adding to the problem, children flying kites have also caused power disruptions. In one instance, a severed kite trapped between live wires resulted in a power cut. Tangedco has advanced systems for high-tension networks but is gradually implementing similar supervision advancements for the low-tension distribution network.
