Power outages caused by stork nests in Moselle: “As soon as there are eggs, we don’t touch them anymore”

Usually, the agents of Réséda, the manager of the electricity distribution network in the Metz region, are already subject to pressure from residents and mayors, who are waiting for power to be restored to their community. But when they intervene for power cuts linked to stork nests, as was the case four times in recent weeksthey must go even faster. “These are protected species”explains Éric Batt, head of the high and low voltage sector at Réséda. “As soon as there are eggs in the nest, we can no longer move it.”

Since the beginning of April, he has had to intervene with his colleagues in Lemud, Sorbey, Sanry-sur-Nied and even Vittoncourt, to branches fallen from the nest on electric cables, creating an electric arc and therefore a power cut. Most of the time, repair operations consist of surround bare cables with a plastic shellto protect them from branches.

“At first, they didn’t want to land in it”

But when the electrical work does not allow it, it is necessary move the stork nest to a new post right next door, specially made by Réséda. “It’s a taller pole, with a platform”describes Eric Batt. “We install it higher because storks systematically choose to nest on the highest points.”

The storks still need to adopt this new location, which is no easy feat. “I stayed in Sanry-sur-Nied for part of the afternoon”, says Michel Tomczak, from the operation and maintenance division at Réséda. “The storks were circling in the sky, but didn’t want to land in it. We were a little disappointed with the people from the Bird Protection League. Finally, the next day, some colleagues passed by and sent me a photo , with the storks in the new nest, we are happy that it was useful!”

Define sensitive locations in advance

Four interventions for stork nests within a few weeks, “This is unheard of”recognizes Éric Batt. “Usually, there are two or three interventions spread over several years.”

For next year, he therefore calls for better anticipatein partnership with the Bird Protection League. “We must use the knowledge of the LPO on the way of life of storks, to establish the possible location zones of storks, which we will cross with the locations of our particular supports. We will then be able to define the best areas for our platforms.”

“It’s not even just a question of cost.”is the head of the high and low voltage sector at Réséda. “It is above all a question of speed. We are well aware that when we do things urgently, we disorganize certain systems in place, we bring a little more difficulty. It is always better to work calmly by defining things in advance.”