Crows are nesting on utility poles, increasing power outages in Iwate Prefecture; power companies struggle to remove them | Iwate Nippo IWATE NIPPO

As spring approaches, crows are increasingly nesting on utility poles, and power companies in Iwate Prefecture are busy dealing with the situation. In recent years, there has been a tendency for nests to be built earlier due to warmer winters, and in fiscal 2023 there were 10 power outages caused by nests, an increase of four from the previous year. Effective countermeasures are urgently needed to ensure a stable supply of electricity, but there is no “silver bullet” and experts point out that “we need to come up with ways to keep crows away from utility poles.” Companies are emphasizing early detection and response, and are asking for residents’ cooperation.

On the 25th, Tohoku Electric Power Network Hanakita Electric Power Center (Kitakami City) carried out removal work in Ishidoriya-cho, Hanamaki City. Using an aerial work vehicle, two employees used a stick-like tool to remove the nest, which was about 60 centimeters in diameter and had been built on a 12-meter-high utility pole.

Nests made of tree branches, dry grass, cotton, etc. may also include wire hangers, and the metal and rain-soaked branches can cause electrical leaks and power outages. As a result, a total of approximately 4,000 homes will be affected in fiscal 2023. As of the 25th, two such incidents have already occurred this year, leaving a total of 445 homes without power.

If you discover a nest, please call the Tohoku Electric Power Network Call Center (0120-175-366).

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For the full article, please see the Iwate Nippo newspaper dated April 26th.