PREVENTING BAT ELECTROCUTION
WHY ARE POWER LINES SUCH A PROBLEM?
Bat electrocutions often interrupt services to residents and cause horrific death to the animal.
With a wingspan of up to 1.2m they are easily electrocuted on power lines. This occurs as they stretch out their wings which then accidentally touch two lines at the same time.
Rarely some adult Flying-foxes manage to survive suffering varying degrees of electroshock.
Bat electrocuted on power lines 
A rescued baby Flying-fox after mum was electrocuted
But especially in the breeding season (October to December), there is an increased incidence of lactating mother bats taking a rest on power lines. Often whilst the mother is usually killed, some of the babies can survive.
REPORT ALL ELECTROCUTION INCIDENTS URGENTLY
You can help us by reporting ALL wildlife on power lines, whether it appears alive or dead.
So please call the 24 hr Hotline (WILVOS) on (07) 5441 6200 urgently if you see a bat hanging on a power line. Time is of the essence in these situations.
And if you can, note the closest pole numbers before calling. This is essential information for us and Energex when attending an electrocution scene.
Energex attending a bat electrocution 
Retrieving an electrocuted bat off power lines
Energex can also be called directly on 13 12 53, as they work hand in hand with us during such rescues.
For more information on rescues involving power lines, go to Rescuing Adult Flying-foxes.
CALL ENERGEX IF YOU SEE PROBLEMATIC VEGETATION NEAR POWER LINES
Power lines can often grow perilously close to trees or even come into contact with shrubbery. Please call to alert them (phone 13 12 53) of a potential problem.
Whilst Energex has their own active vegetation management plan, they will come out and trim problematic trees reported by members of the public.
SUPPORT THE USE OF UNDERGROUND POWER LINES
The decision to use overhead or underground power lines is always dependent on a range of factors. The additional cost of the latter versus the benefits it may bring are all assessed and weighed up in all situations.
Energex works with local Councils to make their decisions regarding replacement of old or installing new lines.
You can support the use of underground cabling and cable bundling by talking to your local Council representatives, as this initiative will obviously eliminate the problem of wildlife electrocution altogether.
OUR PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION WITH ENERGEX
Energex is responsible for all of SE Queensland’s electrical supply. They work with local wildlife organisations in South East Queensland, including Bat Rescue Inc.
Energex working in partnership with Bat Rescue Inc. 
A successful rescue of an electrocuted bat
Since 2004, Bat Rescue has collaborated with Energex to compile a database of trouble spots for rectification in the Sunshine and Gold Coast to reduce these incidences.
Information provided to Energex by Bat Rescue Inc. has also prompted a number of bundling and rectification works to be undertaken in both areas.
This practice alone has reduced the hazard for bats. But it also benefits the community as it lessens the inconvenience and disruption to the community when power outages occur as a result of a power line strike.
Energex supports wildlife conservation and contributes substantial funds each year to wildlife proof their electrical network. They are one of our wonderful community partners.