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Protecting endangered species

Published: 5/28/2024 23 Likes

Distribution Designers Come Up with Innovative Idea to Protect Local Bat Species

Innovative Dominion Energy employees developed pole-mounted bat flats as roosting structures to help protect the species from harmful endangerment.

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This article is about:

An innovative way to help endangered bats
Bat roosts that attach to electric utility poles
Dominion Energy distribution designers working together

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Bat populations face significant threats due to habitat loss and disturbances from things like building and construction work. To address this critical issue, Walter, Customer Projects Designer II, and David, Electric Distribution Design Specialist, along with AutoCAD expert, Alex Weate, developed pole-mounted bat flats as roosting structures to help protect the species from harmful endangerment. The business unit's innovative idea was championed by leaders Gregory, Supervisor Electric Distribution Design, and Jonathan, Business Development Manager.

Bats play a pivotal role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and aiding in plant pollination. However, their survival is increasingly jeopardized by habitat destruction, human disturbances, and the loss of suitable roosting sites. Artificial bat houses like the ones David and Walter developed offer a practical solution by providing additional habitats for these essential creatures.

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“There is nothing out there today that provides bat mitigation on power distribution poles. It’s exciting because we are the first to protect this species of bat…as a utility company.”

- Jonathan

The bat flats have been specifically designed to be mounted vertically on electric distribution poles, in a way that allows lineworkers typical access during climbing. These structures come equipped with mounting brackets and holes, making installation straightforward. To create an optimal environment for bat roosting, it’s essential to position the bat house at an elevated height. Typically, this means mounting it 15 to 20 feet above the ground. By doing so, we achieve two critical objectives:

Predator Protection: Elevating the bat house helps keep bats safe from ground-based predators. These aerial mammals can rest and roost without fear of being easily accessed by potential threats.
Clearance for Entry and Exit: The elevated placement ensures sufficient clearance for bats to enter and exit the box comfortably.

Dominion Energy has partnered with Christopher Newport University’s bat expert and Professor of Environmental Biology, Dr. Rick E. Sherwin to fund an initiative to enhance our understanding of bat activity and mitigation strategies across our service territory. As part of this partnership, graduate and undergraduate students will refine David and Walter's artificial roost design to closely mimic natural bat habitats at an optimal testing location proposed by Senior Environmental Compliance Coordinator, Kimberly. This location has been approved for use and serves as the ideal research site for this innovative project.

This endeavor not only benefits the environment but also fosters community engagement. By embracing innovative designs, we create additional habitats, supplement natural roosts, and contribute to the survival and growth of bat populations.

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