Why Did My Power Go Out on a Clear powerDay?
Wildlife, wind, and everyday causes of unexpected outages
Not all outages are weather-related. In some cases, wildlife—or other objects that don’t belong on the system—can cause a temporary interruption.
One common example is a squirrel. When a squirrel comes into contact with two energized parts of electrical equipment, it creates a fault. Protective devices immediately respond by shutting off power to prevent damage and keep the system safe.
These outages are typically resolved quickly, but they highlight how sensitive and interconnected the electric system is—and why even a small point of contact can affect a larger area.
The Key Problem: When Something Connects What Shouldn’t Be Connected
For electricity to flow, it needs a path.
When something—like a squirrel, a bird, a branch, a drone, a kite or other debris:
- touches two energized wires, or
- touches one energized part and one grounded part
…it creates a path for electricity that wasn’t supposed to exist.
This is called a fault.
What Happens When a Fault Occurs
When the system detects a fault, it responds immediately:
- Power is shut off automatically
Protective equipment like breakers or reclosers open to stop the flow of electricity. - The outage is intentional
This may feel inconvenient, but it’s done on purpose to protect the system. - A larger area may be affected
The equipment involved often serves more than one home—sometimes an entire neighborhood or feeder line.
Why the System Shuts Off Power
This response is designed to protect:
- People nearby
Faults can cause electrical arcing, sparks, and extreme heat. - The public
Damaged equipment could remain energized or fail in unsafe ways. - Our crews
Linemen rely on the system being safely de-energized before they begin restoration work.
The system is designed to shut off first, then assess—because that is the safest approach.
Why Crews Have to Respond
Even if the outage seems small or brief, power doesn’t automatically come back on without verification.
Our crews must:
- Find the cause
The system detects a problem—but crews locate the exact source. - Make sure it’s safe
There may still be damage or unsafe conditions. - Complete repairs if needed
This could include replacing fuses or repairing equipment. - Restore power safely
Once everything is confirmed, power is restored.
We understand these outages are peculiar—especially on a calm, clear day. In rural areas, where lines run through trees and open land, wildlife and vegetation are a natural part of the environment.
