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SaskPower says copper thieves cost the Crown corporation $41,000 in 2020.
“People need to realize that copper theft doesn’t just take a financial toll on SaskPower customers — it’s also a significant public safety threat,” Kevin Lalonde, SaskPower’s director of distribution operations and maintenance, said in a media release.
“Copper acts as a grounding material for power infrastructure, and when this material is removed, there are real risks of electrocution as a result.”
The company said people who take the copper wire from power equipment can be electrocuted, but the thefts also put SaskPower employees at risk. Removing the copper can cause electrification of the ground and surrounding objects, which could hurt or kill those who come into contact with the pole.
Tampering with the copper also can cause power outages to homes, businesses and critical facilities.
SaskPower said it’s increasing remote video monitoring of its facilities in hopes of deterring copper thieves. It’s also replacing stolen wire with copper cladding, which looks and performs like pure copper wire but doesn’t have any scrap value.
Anyone with information about copper theft, or any other acts of vandalism at SaskPower facilities, can call their local police service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.