Benton REA: Zero Bird Outages With AVIX Autonomic Mark II

Benton REA: Zero Bird Outages With AVIX Autonomic Mark II

When nesting birds started causing power outages at Benton REA’s Kennedy Substation, the electric cooperative needed a fix, and fast. Two AVIX Autonomic Mark II lasers proved to be the answer, achieving a 100% reduction in bird activity and zero bird-caused outages since installation.

The Problem: Bird Droppings Causing Power Outages

Benton Rural Electric Association (REA) is an electric cooperative running 15 substations across three counties in southern Washington, United States. The area is a natural feeding, roosting and nesting ground for migratory birds, and doves and starlings had made the Kennedy Substation their home.

  • Outages from droppings: Accumulated droppings bridged sensitive components, causing short circuits and repeated power outages.

  • Equipment damage: Short circuits damaged expensive parts of the substation equipment.

  • Seasonal pressure: Birds were present through spring, summer and autumn, all day, with extra activity at dawn and dusk.

  • Nesting and roosting: Birds were settling inside the substation structure itself, not just passing through.

  • Other devices failed: Several alternative bird control products were tried without success.

The Product: Why Benton REA Chose the AVIX Autonomic Mark II

Benton REA deployed two AVIX Autonomic Mark II units, directing a moving green laser beam at the specific areas of the substation where birds were nesting and roosting. As the beam approaches, birds perceive it as a threat and leave immediately.

  • Targeted coverage: Laser patterns focused on the nesting and roosting hotspots within the substation.

  • Fully automated: Runs without staff on site, ideal for an unmanned facility.

  • Humane and non-invasive: Birds are moved on unharmed, and their wider migratory patterns were left undisturbed.

  • No contact with live equipment: Deters birds without adding physical fixtures to sensitive components.

About the AVIX Autonomic Mark II

The AVIX Autonomic Mark II is a fixed, automated laser bird deterrent built for continuous, unattended protection of large or hard-to-access sites.

  • 24/7 automated operation: Runs to a programmed schedule with no manual input once configured.

  • Wide area coverage: Up to 12 acres from a single unit, according to AVIX.

  • Customisable laser patterns: Coverage can be shaped around specific zones, such as nesting points within a substation.

  • No bird habituation: The beam’s movement stops birds learning to ignore it.

  • Low maintenance: Laser bulb replacement roughly every 3 to 5 years, according to AVIX.

  • Remote control: Settings managed via the AVIX Connect app.

The Results: 100% Bird Reduction, Zero Outages

The two AVIX Autonomic Mark II units have been in use at the Kennedy Substation since July 2020.

  • 100% bird reduction: Birds stopped nesting and roosting inside the substation.

  • Zero bird-caused outages: No outages linked to birds since the lasers were deployed.

  • Migratory patterns undisturbed: Birds were kept out of the substation without being driven from the wider area.

  • Equipment protected: No further short circuits or droppings damage to sensitive components.

“The birds have learned that the interior of the substation is not somewhere they want to be.“

Joel Mietzner, Systems Engineer, Benton REA

For electrical substations and other unmanned energy infrastructure, the AVIX Autonomic Mark II offers a humane, automated way to keep birds away from sensitive equipment and cut the risk of costly outages.

Testimonial Profile

Location: Benton City, Washington, United States

Job Date: July 2020

Application context: Electrical substation

Product Reviewed: AVIX Autonomic Mark II (automated laser bird deterrent)

Problem definition: Bird droppings causing short circuits and damaging equipment

Bird Behaviour: Doves and starlings nesting and roosting

Laser Projection Area: 8000 sqft

Number of Systems: 2 x AVIX Autonomic Mark II

Bird Reduction After Installation: 100%, with zero bird-caused outages since deployment

Time of Year: Spring, summer and autumn

Time of Day: All day, with extra pressure at dawn and dusk

Ready to Protect Your Site with the AVIX Autonomic Mark II?

If birds are putting your equipment or operations at risk, IBM can help. Book a free site survey and we will recommend the right laser bird deterrent for your site.

Benton REA: Zero Bird Outages With AVIX Autonomic Mark II

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