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4 Kilowatt F JUNE 2013 the


Help fight copper crime Report suspicious activity near co-op lines or substations


utilities all over the country. Hungry for copper wire, burglars will climb power poles, scale fences, and break into buildings to steal the precious metal—almost always endangering themselves and others in the process.


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Between 2001 and 2008, the price of copper skyrocketed 500 percent. The price has hovered at a strong $3.40 per pound for the past several years.


To thieves, stealing copper seems like easy money, but working with any metal and electricity is dangerous—even for co-op employees who are trained and use proper equipment.”


Thieves don't understand, or don't care, that they are risking their lives by taking copper from co- op poles or substations, where high transmission voltage is stepped down to a lower current for distribution lines.


Kiwash Electric urges you to follow these guidelines to help guard against electrical dangers and prevent copper theft.


• If you notice anything unusual with co-op electric facilities, such as an open substation gate, open equipment, or hanging wire, contact your electric co-op immediately.


• If you see anyone around electric substations or electric facilities other than Kiwash


Tougher penalties required


Because copper theft targets transportation, communication and electricity networks, federal officials view copper crime as a threat to our nation’s infrastructure.


Even Congress has stepped in. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, is proposing new legislation that would make stealing copper in some cases a federal crime, and would increase regulations on buying and selling it.


Electric personnel or contractors, call the country sheriff's department or 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 you are away.


• If you work in construction, don't leave wires or plumbing unattended, or leave loose wire


“I don’t think people realize what a problem this crime is. It has jumped more than 80 percent in recent years,” Klobuchar says.


The Oklahoma legislature has made the theft of copper wire with the intent to sell a felony. Anyone who is found guilty of this crime may face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.


4-15


etal theft continues to plague electric


COMING UP in Kiwash Country


n JUNE 8


Town-wide Garage Sale, Sidewalk Sale and Flea Market Cordell


Heartland Cruise and Car Show Radar Park and Main Street Weatherford, 580-772-7744 or 580-772-0470


24-25 Clinton Route 66 Festival Downtown & McClain Rodgers Park 580-323-2222


n JULY 4


4 27


Fourth of July Show Rader Park Weatherford, 405-524-6600


Kiwash Electric closed for the holiday. To report a power outage, please call 888-832-3362.


Clinton Rodeo Days Frisco Ave and Rodeo Grounds Clinton, 580-323-2222


at the job site, especially overnight.


Copper crime costs every Kiwash Electric member by increasing repair expenses and damaging the safety and reliability of your electric service. Help Kiwash Electric prevent these thefts by keeping your eyes and ears open as you travel along rural roads. If you notice anything unusual, please call Kiwash Electric Cooperative immediately at 888-832-3362, or call 911 to reach local authorities.


SUBMISSION DETAILS:


Kiwash Electric Cooperative promotes local festivals, rodeos, fairs and other events in our monthly newsletter, the Kilowatt. Calendar listings are free.


Please send details to: Lisa Willard, Kiwash Electric, PO Box 100, Cordell, OK 73632, or send e-mail to: lwillard@kiwash.coop. Please send event listings by the 10th of the month prior to publication.


If you have questions about submitting a event, or need to speak with a Kiwash representative about other matters, please call 888-832-3362, or visit www.kiwash.coop.


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