By Wayne Price

    Metal theft continues to plague electric utilities in Nebraska and all over America. It is a crime that endangers lives and can result in thousands of dollars in damages ultimately paid for by you—the electric consumer.
    Thieves are attracted to copper wire as an easy source of cash, stealing it from a variety of sources and selling it for scrap. They often climb power poles, scale substation or storeyard fences, and break into buildings to steal the precious metal—almost always endangering themselves and others in the process.
    Stealing copper might seem like a quick way to make a few dollars to a would-be thief, but it’s illegal, it’s costly, and it’s not worth a life. Working with electricity and any metal is a dangerous combination, even for employees that are trained and using the proper equipment. Thieves who enter a substation or climb a power pole to steal copper and survive are incredibly lucky. They are risking their life for a few bucks.
    Because of the surge in copper theft in recent years many public power districts and electric cooperatives have begun to stamp copper and aluminum wire with an identification number to deter theft. Stolen wire is usually sold for scrap at recycling centers for cash.
    Thieves may not understand that they are risking their lives by taking copper from utility poles or substations, where high transmission voltage is stepped down to a lower current for distribution lines. The Nebraska Rural Electric Association urges you to follow these guidelines to guard against electrical dangers and prevent copper theft.
    • Never enter or touch equipment inside a substation; stay away from power lines and anything touching a power line.
    • If you notice anything unusual with electric facilities, such as an open substation gate, open equipment, or hanging wire, contact your rural electric utility immediately.
    • If you see anyone around electric substations or electric facilities other than public power district or electric cooperative personnel, call the police.
    • Install motion-sensor lights on the outside of your house, out-buildings and business to deter possible thieves.
    • If you work in construction, do not leave any wires or plumbing unattended or leave loose wire at the job site, especially overnight.
    • Help spread the word about the deadly consequences that can result from trying to steal copper or aluminum wire.
    Please help prevent these thefts. If you notice anything unusual, call your local electric utility immediately. If you see anyone other than utility personnel or contractors around substations or other electric facilities, call the police.