Duke Energy: Animals cause thousands of power outages each year [Video]

Power grid blackouts can happen at the worst times, leaving people in the dark. Duke Energy says thousands of those outages are caused by animals each year.

A Fuquay-Varina company is focused on keeping the power on and saving wildlife at the same time.

Driving down the road, you may notice new devices on electrical power lines and poles. It’s part of a mission to prevent “flash-overs,” which are often caused by animals.

“This is not just a North America or United States issues. It’s a global issue,” says Luis Puigcerver, senior product manager with TE Connectivity, located in Fuquay-Varina.

Puigcerver says large birds and small animals are active on power lines and electrical equipment. It causes serious issues. Puigcerver says,” The wildlife gets electrocuted, can fall down on the ground and cause a bush fire.”

TE Connectivity makes products to serve as safe barriers between wildlife and the dangers …