It's a problem many people living in urban centres have never heard of -- but for those in other areas, it's all too real.

Stray voltage is the name given to excess electricity running through the ground on its way back to a transformer.

Acceptable levels of stray voltage are regulated by the Ontario Energy Board, but some farmers say not enough is being done to protect their interests.

Peter Stern runs a dairy farm in Oxford County. He says stray voltage has killed more than 100 of his cows and ruined the productivity of many others, costing him millions of dollars.

He and other farmers dealing with the issue are trying some novel solutions, but so far they've been unable to alleviate the problem.

In a special series, CTV's Max Wark shares their stories and takes a broader look at health issues around stray voltage -- including how it can affect humans.

Use the video player above to watch the series.