When Wildlife Strikes: The Durham Snake Outage and the Case for Backup Generators
On the night of May 5, 2025, approximately 10,000 residents in Durham, North Carolina, experienced an unexpected power outage. The culprit? A black snake that managed to infiltrate a Duke Energy substation near Ashe Street, coming into contact with critical equipment and causing a disruption that lasted until around 1:30 a.m. the following morning.
The Vulnerability of Our Power Infrastructure
While it might seem surprising, animal-related power outages are not uncommon. Duke Energy reports that snakes and squirrels are among the top five causes of outages in their system. Despite protective measures like fencing, these agile creatures often find ways to breach defenses, leading to significant disruptions.
Nationally, animal-induced outages affect an estimated 13 million people annually, highlighting a critical vulnerability in our power infrastructure.
The Importance of Backup Power Solutions
Incidents like the Durham outage underscore the necessity for reliable backup power solutions. For homeowners and businesses alike, a sudden loss of electricity can lead to safety hazards, operational disruptions, and financial losses.
Aurora Generators offers a range of diesel-powered generators designed to provide dependable backup power. Our systems are engineered to activate automatically during outages, ensuring continuous power supply regardless of unforeseen events.
Preparing for the Unpredictable
While utility companies work to enhance grid resilience, individual preparedness remains crucial. Investing in a backup generator is a proactive step toward safeguarding your home or business against unexpected power interruptions.
At Aurora Generators, we are committed to helping you find the right backup power solution to meet your needs. Our team is available to provide expert advice and support, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle any power outage scenario.
Stay powered, stay prepared. Contact Aurora Generators today to learn more about our reliable backup power solutions.