PUC responds to ‘alarming’ increase of copper thefts at substations

PUC is beefing up security measures at its substations as break-ins continue to feed the market for scrap copper.

“Over the past few months, we have observed an alarming rise in thefts at our substations," Rob Brewer, the utility's president and chief executive officer, tells SooToday.

"Intruders have been breaking in, attempting to steal copper and copper-clad materials. In several instances, these individuals have narrowly avoided fatal injuries after tampering with live electrical wiring," Brewer said.

"These thefts pose a significant threat to public safety, as the stolen wiring is critical for safeguarding our equipment and preventing outages.

"In response, we have enhanced our security measures and engaged a professional monitoring service to oversee our sites.

"Additionally, we have reached out to companies purchasing these stolen materials, urging them to report suspicious sales to the authorities.

"Their cooperation in this matter is essential in preventing further thefts and ensuring the safety of both our infrastructure and the community," Brewer said.

Speaking to a PUC Commission board meeting last week, he said some of the recent incidents "could have been quite dangerous for people."

"It's a concern. It does speak to the potential that there's a little bit more desperation in town than we've traditionally seen.

"Stealing a small piece of copper really doesn't yield a lot of money, but it certainly is quite hazardous to be roaming around inside a substation and doing that.

"We've been trying to get communications out. We've had more on-site security in certain certain places.

"It's a concern: something we're working to both better understand and try to get in front of," Brewer said.