Today is the Jingzhe (Awakening of Insects) solar term in the 24 solar terms. As the weather warms, wildlife will soon become more active. TPC today (March 5th) launched a special project—"Stable Power Supply During Jingzhe"—mobilizing more than 4,000 people across the distribution, transmission, and generation systems. The project involves measures such as removing bird nests, pruning trees, installing bird deterrents and snake/rat nets, sealing pipe gaps, and inspecting, upgrading, and improving line equipment to strengthen power resilience and reduce power outages caused by wildlife.

TPC stated that external forces account for nearly 50% of general power outages. Besides traffic accidents damaging equipment, construction or pipeline work cutting lines, and tree/bamboo contact, contact by wildlife accounts for about 40% of these external-force incidents. Some birds and animals climb and traverse power lines or use wires or other metals to build nests. When feathers, tails, or nests with wires touch equipment or lines, it could cause power outage.

TPC stated that in recent years, it has adopted two main approaches to address power outages caused by wildlife contact: "blocking the contact path" and "creating a friendly environment." By prioritizing prevention over immediate repairs, TPC aims to reduce power outages caused by wildlife contact. Statistics show that power outages caused by wildlife contact have decreased from 2,838 in 2012 to 1,011 cases last year, a reduction of over 60%.

TPC explained that the project spans the distribution, transmission, and generation systems, deploying over 4,000 personnel for line maintenance and preventive inspections. TPC’s 24 district business offices and 6 power supply area operation offices take measures to strengthen the resilience of substations and transmission lines, such as cable replacement, covering exposed equipment, pruning trees, and removing bird nests from power poles. At 21 hydroelectric and thermal power plants, measures have been taken to enhance the sealing of cable entry and exit points and related equipment gaps, and protective netting has been installed at switchyards where birds and animals are more likely to frequent, to prevent intrusions by birds, animals, and snakes, thus strengthening power supply stability. Furthermore, TPC is also conducting equipment inspections and providing training for facility managers on basic inspection and troubleshooting of electrical equipment, along with safety education, in public transportation, shopping malls, and department stores to jointly mitigate potential risks.

TPC stated that the project will comprehensively inspect all power facilities and areas where birds and animals are likely to nest or pass through, removing nests and obstacles in advance. If fledgling poultry or eggs are found, the nests will be relocated, handed over to animal protection agencies or zoos, or rehomed with willing members of the public, balancing power supply stability with environmental friendliness.