ensto customer magazine 2009

caseSafeguardingbirds in NorthernBohemiaStory Sona Hendrychova, CEZ GroupIn the Northern Bohemia region of the CzechRepublic, power engineers have been dealingwith questions regarding the protection ofbirds since 1995. “The aim is to prevent birdsfrom having electrical accidents or perishingwhile landing on power lines or while takingoff,” says Jiři Koutecky, Safety Director of ČEZDistribution. Together with environmentalists,the ČEZ Group pursues the fulfillment of anagreement that specifies the area as a protectionarea for birds from electrical accidents.To protect birds from touching energizedconductors at pole tops while sitting there,thousands of Ensto bird protectors wereinstalled. The installation of protectors wasmade “live-line”, the method which allowscontinuing of distribution of electricity withoutinterruptions to electricity supply to consumers.The project continues in the area andthe costs are estimated to be around 54 000Euros.Ensto’s PAS forest corridors system leaves morespace for the natural environment and allowsreduced tree felling as it requires approximately 40% less space than regular bare wires. Trees can beleft growing along roadsides, providing effectivescreening.Protective measures of the ČEZ Group gobeyond legal obligations. In accordance withthe current agreement with the environmentalists,they want to provide 3.5 MEUR duringthe years 2008 - 2013 for the protection ofbirds.2009 ENSTO TODAY | 29