France's Linky electricity meters are facing an unusual issue: annual power outages caused by ants that gather around the meters, attracted by their recycled materials. This phenomenon has been reported to result in approximately 1,000 outages each year. The starch-based substance on the meters draws these insects, leading to a power surge detection that prompts the meters to shut down. Enedis, the electricity supplier, acknowledged this issue predominately occurs from March to September, especially in outdoor installations, and noted that similar problems have been reported with other insects in the past.
Every year, an estimated 1,000 power outages reported to Enedis are caused by the insects congregating around the lime-green meters, according to satirical weekly newspaper Le Canard Enchaîné.
The ants were attracted to the recycled materials used to house the meters, which is covered in a starch-based substance similar to the sugars found in plants.
When the meter detects an anomaly, it switches to safe mode, causing the power to go out. The electricity supplier confirmed it was aware of these problems.
Enedis engineers had also, historically, encountered wasps, hornets, and even snakes around meters, the spokesperson said at the time.
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