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NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE


P.O. Box 948, Vinita, OK 74301 • www. neelectric.com


PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID


TULSA, OKLA. Permit 216


HEFT of copper is nearing epidemic proportions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, theft of copper now costs the national economy around $1 billion per year. This increase in criminal activity disrupts the flow of electricity and creates electrical hazards across the United States. Additionally, when thieves cut locks or chain link fencing surrounding an electric substation, they expose inquisitive children and animals to a highly dangerous area. Stealing material from an electric substation or utility pole can result not only in serious injuries and death, but extensive outages—consequences that impact innocent people. The minimum damage that can occur is an outage, which may affect thousands of indi- viduals.


Northeast Oklahoma Electric


Cooperative Safety Director Bret Boyd says damage and loss of life resulting from copper theft are completely unnecessary and could happen anywhere. “People must be aware of this kind of theft and that tampering with electric power facilities can result in extremely dangerous situations,” he said. “Always alert your utility when you see or suspect suspicious activity.” NEOEC offers these tips to help safeguard against electrical dangers associated with copper theft:


Northeast Connection


Copper theft: gain a buck, lose a life T


• Never enter or touch equipment inside a substation, and 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 electric utility immediately. • If you see anyone around substations or electric facilities other than utility personnel or contractors, call the police.


• Install motion-sensor lights on the outside of your house and business to deter possible thieves. • Store tools and wire cutters in a secure location, and never leave them out while away. • If you work in construction, do not leave wire unattended or at the job site overnight. Consider hiring a night security guard. • Help spread the word about the deadly consequences that can result from trying to steal copper.


Copper theft is not harmless. Dealing with any metal and electricity is a dangerous combination, especially when it is done without permission or training. Copper theft places the thief and others in danger.


People who think stealing electric wire is a quick way to earn some easy money should think again. The value of metal is not worth losing a life.


Call NEOEC at 1-800-256-6405 to report suspicious activity. You can remain anonymous.


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