For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716
Eugene Water & Electric Board

July 21, 2006

Electric substations hit with copper thefts

Three Eugene Water & Electric Board substations have been struck in recent days and weeks by thieves who entered the substations and stole copper used to ground metal components of the electrical system.

The McKenzie Substation near Interstate 5 was the latest to be hit by thieves, who then sell the copper on the scrap market. The latest break-in was discovered on Tuesday. Two other substations also have had copper grounding lines stolen in recent weeks.

Other local utilities and the Bonneville Power Administration reportedly have had similar incidents over the past few days or weeks. The thieves usually cut through chain-link fences and then cut any copper grounding lines connecting the metal structure of the substation to the ground.

Theft of copper has increased at utility facilities, construction sites and other locations in recent months as the price of the metal has skyrocketed. The cost of repairing the damage at the three EWEB substations is estimated at $25,000 to $30,000.

It is extremely dangerous for anyone to enter an energized substation. The cutting of copper grounding lines is especially risky, because they are used to ground any short circuit that might occur, sending tens of thousands of volts down through the copper lines and into the ground.

EWEB is asking the public to be on alert and to report any suspicious or unusual activity around substations to police, or by calling EWEB. That would include seeing a non-EWEB vehicle parked near a substation, or seeing someone inside the substation in street clothing and without a hard hat.