In July 2020, Liberty Utilities will begin installing protective wildlife covers to electrical equipment in portions of our Missouri electric service territory. These protective wildlife covers are designed to keep wildlife, such as squirrels or birds, from coming into contact with transformers on Liberty Utilities' power poles. The goal of this project is to reduce the number of outages caused by wildlife and to prevent harm to wildlife caused by contact with electrical equipment.
Wildlife is the second leading cause of Liberty Utilities electric outages behind weather. Installing these protective covers around transformers can reduce power outages and protect wildlife from harm.
Liberty Utilities has identified areas where a greater number of wildlife-related outages have occurred and will begin installation in these areas. These areas include portions of Ozark, Willard, Nixa, and Ash Grove, Missouri.
To install wildlife covers safely, Liberty Utilities contractors may briefly shut off your electricity. Once installation is complete, you’re services will be turned back on. Contractors will attempt to verbally notify customers before this occurs by knocking on their door. If a customer is not home, contractors will leave a door hanger to let customers know the cover was installed or is going to be installed soon.
Our contractors have received safety training and are taking additional precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19. You are always welcome, and encouraged, to ask a contractor to provide identification before you speak with them.