Did you know that ComED uses goats to prevent power outages in Chicago? Yep, you read that right.
Illinois’ largest electric utility company is deploying the furry friends to assist in clearing overgrown vegetation around its power lines—and Chicagoans can meet the goats at a special “bleat and greet” on Tuesday, September 16.
ComED announced the event in a social media post shared last week. “We’re baaaaack,” read the post. “Join us to feed, play and snap a pic with the goats who help keep your lights on while they keep their bellies full!”
How hungry goats keep your refrigerator running
ComED launched its annual Goat Vegetation Management Program in 2019, provided by local organization Goats on the Go.
The perpetually hungry creatures help maintain electric facilities by devouring weeds and invasive plant overgrowth around designated transmission areas, according to ComED. Regular vegetation removal is vital for preventing power outages.
The ravenous animals are able to cover large swaths of land in a short period by eating up to 20% of their entire body weight in vegetation every day.
Additionally, goat-powered vegetation management provides an eco-friendly alternative to herbicides and reduces soil disturbance caused by landscaping equipment.
Greet the goats
ComED is bringing its goat pack to Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan Ave. from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Guests will have the opportunity to pet and feed the goats while learning more about the company’s vegetation management efforts.