myEnergy
When an unexpected issue hits the electricity network, our crews are used to rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. But last summer, they faced a challenge that was a little out of the ordinary, and a lot more furry.
A record number of fruit bats (also known as flying foxes) migrated to northern Victoria last summer, causing dozens of power outages and, sadly, many fatalities when they came into contact with our network.
The community’s concern was loud and clear and we acted just as quickly.
We teamed up with wildlife rescue groups across the state to identify ways to help flying foxes avoid powerlines.
A dedicated team of engineers and field crews sprang into action, led by Dean McDonald and Kevin Kelly, and supported by Peter Goode, Peter Church, Louis Hermann and Pav Zielinski. Their mission? Protect the bats and keep the power flowing.
They got creative – fast. Hundreds of deterrent devices were installed across the network, including re-purposed swan spirals, possum guards, and even a laser strobe light in a fruit orchard. The goal was to keep the bats safely away from live lines without harming them.
Alongside the technical response, we kept customers in the loop via live radio interviews, local media stories, community Facebook groups, and direct SMS updates.
And the results? Fewer outages. Fewer bat fatalities. Happier communities.
Late last year two pups were rescued by our Geelong lineys and put into the care of Wildlife rescuer, Layla Merritt.
Recently, Layla joined one of our Work Group Meetings with the pups, now known as Sprite and Fanta, to give an update on their condition and to discuss our mitigation efforts.
