News Summary
Residents of Hixson and Soddy-Daisy experienced two brief power outages caused by snakes making contact with energized equipment at an Electric Power Board substation. The outages, which occurred on the same day, did not damage equipment and were communicated to customers promptly. Although snake-induced outages are rare, they serve as a reminder of the challenges utility companies face when wildlife interacts with electrical infrastructure.
Hixson and Soddy-Daisy Experience Two Brief Power Outages Due to Snakes
Hixson and Soddy-Daisy residents faced two brief power outages recently, both caused by snakes making contact with energized equipment at a substation operated by the Electric Power Board (EPB). The first outage occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on June 13, followed by a second outage around 6:40 p.m. on the same day.
The outages were a result of snakes entering the substation and connecting energized parts with non-energized parts, which caused a trip in the power supply. Fortunately, the snakes did not damage any equipment during these incidents, though it is unusual for two separate encounters to occur in such quick succession at the same facility.
Details of the Outages
EPB’s President of Energy and Communications communicated the occurrences to customers via email, informing them of the unusual situation. While snake-induced outages are relatively rare, EPB has a record of such incidents in the past. The recent events, however, stand out as they involved two separate snakes causing outages within the same day.
Snakes have the unique ability to climb vertically up the structures within the substations, which contributes to the risk of electric contact issues. Despite preventative measures employed by EPB, such as installing animal guards at substations, the nature and size of snakes allow them access, leading to these power disruptions.
Response from Electric Power Board
To mitigate the impact of outages, EPB utilizes an automated “Smart Grid” system. This technology enables rapid power rerouting, which minimizes the duration of outages when they occur. The email sent to customers reassured them that the outages were isolated and were not indicative of larger, systemic issues with EPB’s power supply.
EPB’s response included an apology for any inconvenience caused by the brief outages. Customers were also encouraged to reach out with any inquiries or concerns through email, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining trust and clarity about the reliability of the power services provided.
Background on Snake-Related Outages
While it is not common for snakes to impact power services, reports from other regions, such as Franklin, Tennessee, in 2024, have indicated similar issues. These events have prompted some utility companies to explore preventive measures like using snake repellents to reduce future occurrences of snake-related outages. EPB’s incidents serve as a reminder of the challenges utilities face in managing wildlife interactions within their infrastructure.
In conclusion, the brief power outages in Hixson and Soddy-Daisy underscore the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions with electrical infrastructure, highlighting the importance of effective management and communication strategies by utility providers. EPB continues to monitor the situation and adapt its approaches to enhance service reliability for its customers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Prep Faces Charter Revocation Due to Licensing Issues
Hamilton County Commissioners to Vote on Hamilton Plan
Severe Storms Cause Power Outages in Chattanooga
Severe Weather Prompts Governor’s Emergency Measures Across Texas
Chattanooga Faces Record-Breaking Rainfall Amid Flood Concerns
Winter Weather Preparations Underway in Chattanooga Schools Ahead of Snowstorm
Iran’s Energy Crisis and Economic Decline
Severe Storms Cause Significant Tornado Damage in Central Wisconsin
Chattanooga City Council Tackles Flooding and Sewer Improvements
Severe Flooding and Storms Cause Devastation in Tennessee and Kentucky
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Snakes Caused Two Chattanooga Power Outages
- Wikipedia: Snake
- Local 3 News: Snakes Behind Two Power Outages
- Google Search: Power Outages Due to Snakes
- Times Free Press: Snake in the Kitchen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electricity
