Collaborative Efforts with Tohoku Electric Power Network Co., Inc. to Evaluate Crow Nesting Risks on Utility Poles

　In the fiscal year 2023, The University of Aizu and Tohoku Electric Power Network Co., Inc. conducted joint research to reduce power outages caused by crows nesting on utility poles.

　Crows nesting on utility poles from early spring to early summer pose a significant risk of power outages due to contact with overhead lines. Early detection and countermeasures for nesting are crucial to addressing this nationwide issue. Hashimoto(*1)-Hata(*2) Laboratory at The University of Aizu received data on past nesting performance from the Aizu-Wakamatsu Electric Power Center of Tohoku Electric Power Network Co., Inc. The laboratory then worked on building a nesting prediction model using various data science methods.

　As a specific initiative, the team visualized the nesting risk based on the nesting data within the area, aiming to reduce outages caused by nesting and improve the efficiency of nest patrols at Tohoku Electric Power Network Co., Inc.

Figure 1: Evaluation of nesting clusters that occurred in Aizu-Wakamatsu City.

Figure 2: Visualization of nesting risk in Aizu-Wakamatsu City.

(*1) HASHIMOTO Yasuhiro Senior Associate Professor
(*2) HATA Keisuke Associate Professor

April 25, 2024 Published.