Summary
Bird electrocution is a significant yet often overlooked threat to avian populations worldwide, particularly for large raptors, storks, and other species that perch or roost on power distribution infrastructure. IFC with EBRD and a host of experts have developed a new tip sheet, Preventing Electrocution Risks for Birds on Distribution Lines, which provides practical, actionable guidance on reducing bird electrocution risks associated with electricity distribution infrastructure.
This tip sheet is the first of its kind to distill existing highly technical content into a concise format tailored specifically for lenders, developers, utilities, and environmental specialists. It is designed to support consistent decision-making across lender-financed projects, while remaining accessible to non-specialists.
Key content includes:
- Bird-safe design principles for new distribution lines, including insulator type and positioning, safe distancing between energized and grounded components, and appropriate use of insulation.
- Identification of high-risk poles and components, including equipment support structures, jumper wires, crossarms, and pin insulators.
- Retrofitting options for existing networks where bird-safe design has not been applied, with guidance on insulation measures, material selection, and prioritization of high-risk segments.
- Operational considerations, including maintenance requirements and the importance of long-term performance monitoring to ensure mitigation effectiveness.
By translating highly technical expertise into a concise and well-illustrated reference, this publication supports better decision-making by helping to ensure that the expansion and modernization of electricity distribution systems significantly reduces risks to birds, supports biodiversity conservation outcomes, and aligns with Good International Industry Practice (GIIP).
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