I found a great horned owl under a power line on my property with burns on it's beak and feet, still warm. Took it to the local raptor rescue group to use for grafts. I was told that if I went back to were I found it I would find a snake also electrocuted. Seems they catch a snake and fly up to the line to eat it and it dangles down to the other wire and completes the circuit. I checked and they were right.
I think I'd have to see that for myself to believe it. Sorry. Those wires are kept several feet apart. That's a long snake for a bird to haul up and dangle down (5+ feet I would imagine).
I'm not saying it's impossible. But for it to be so common that the power company had an explanation? I'm trying to buy it. :o)