State Grid Tianshui Power Supply Company: Balancing Bird Protection and Line Safety with Live-Line Maintenance Ahead of Winter Peak Demand

October marks a crucial window for conducting autumn inspections, rectifying equipment defects, and preparing for the winter peak demand season. During this season, frequent bird nesting on utility poles and transmission towers poses seasonal safety risks to power lines, presenting a dual challenge: safeguarding grid reliability while upholding power workers' commitment to bird protection.

A transmission tower along the 110 kV Qintian Line II in autumn

On October 19, State Grid Tianshui Power Supply Company deployed a specialized team to carry out a dedicated "Bird Protection and Line Safety" campaign along the 110 kV Qintian Line II. Employing humane relocation methods, the team guided birds away from towers, protecting both grid operations and avian habitats to achieve a win-win outcome where "power lines remain hazard-free and birds fly undisturbed."

On-site view of the 110 kV Qintian Line II

Preparations were characterized by rigorous attention to detail. Rather than simply "dismantling every nest and chasing away every bird," the team analyzed line operating records and field conditions, reviewed the line section by section, and devised a tailored action plan. Taking into account the line's long spans and frequent bird activity, crew members conducted advance site surveys and executed each procedure thoroughly, ensuring orderly, safe operations while leaving ample space for the birds to move freely.

Crew members conducting an on-site survey

On-site execution followed rigorous standardized procedures for installing bird-deterrent spikes. Technicians carefully controlled the spacing and angles so the devices would deter birds without causing harm—preventing them from perching and nesting on tower crossarms without injuring them. This gentle approach steered birds back to natural tree canopies, eliminating the risk of bird-related line trips at the source.

Compared to traditional maintenance requiring power outages, installing bird-deterrent spikes under live-line conditions avoids power interruptions while safeguarding biodiversity. This approach significantly boosts hazard mitigation efficiency and ensures an uninterrupted power supply with zero outages and zero impact on end users. During this campaign, a total of 533 additional bird-deterrent devices were installed across 27 towers along the 110 kV Qintian Line II, and 109 bird nests were safely relocated. (Text and photos by Su Ling and Li Xiaoqiang)