the


ENERGY EFFICIENCY


Tip of the Month


Want to beat the heat? Run appliances like dishwashers and dryers late in the evening to keep heat they give off from affecting your comfort. Use cold water to wash clothes, and remember to unplug electric chargers, televisions, and any electronic items when you are not using them. Learn more ways to save at www. TogetherWeSave.com.


—TOUCHSTONE ENERGY


Kilowatt S


MAY 2012


published monthly for members of Kiwash Electric Cooperative, Inc.


A SUPPLEMENT TO OKLAHOMA LIVING


Copper and aluminum are the primary components of electric distribution lines, making electric utilities particularly vulnerable to copper thieves.


BILL PAYMENT LOCATIONS


Kiwash Electric 120 W. 1st Street Cordell, Oklahoma


Pay online:


www.kiwash.coop Custer City Hall


Custer City, Oklahoma


First National Bank Thomas, Oklahoma


As Krueger pointed out, thefts of copper wire and equipment cause power outages, additional maintenance and expenses, and diminish service reliability and safety for every co-op member. "Stealing grounding wire from poles deteriorates our ability to get lightning off the wires and into the soil, which can affect every meter near these poles," he said. " We work hard to create a reliable and dependable electric distribution system for all of our members; yet, these robbers makes our system vulnerable to future storms and lightning."


Copper wire appeals to thieves who sell the metal for scrap. Burglars climb poles, scale fences, and break into buildings to steal the precious metal, lured by the a whopping 542 percent increase in the price of copper since 2001. In 2009, the price for copper was around $1.25 a pound. More recently, the price has climbed as high $4 a pound.


Closed Memorial Day


Kiwash Electric Cooperative will close on May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. To report a power outage during this time, please call 888-832-3362.


Have a safe holiday!


Copper crime hits home Metal prices drive recent thefts


oaring metal prices are blamed for recent damages along Kiwash Electric Cooperative lines. General Manager Dennis Krueger said the damages were caused by copper thieves stealing grounding wire from utility poles. Kiwash Electric personnel have found 17 damaged poles so far.


copper wiring from a live transformer. Similar accidents have been reported across the country.


“Stealing copper is costly, and it’s not worth a life. Working with any metal and electricity is dangerous, even for trained employees using proper equipment.”


Help Kiwash Electric deter thieves


If you notice anything unusual with electric facilities, such as an open substation gate, open equipment, or hanging wire, contact Kiwash Electric immediately at 888-832- 3362. If you see anyone around electric substations or electric facilities other than co-op personnel or contractors, call the police or sheriff immediately.


Stolen wire is commonly brought to recycling centers and traded for cash. Without identifying marks, stolen wire is hard to track and is rarely recovered.


The rampant theft of copper nationwide— and the subsequent damage to utility infrastructure— is causing states to take action.


Oklahoma, Florida, Hawaii, and Michigan elevated the illegal possession of a large amount of copper wire to a felony. The F.B.I.


says it considers theft of copper wire to be a threat to the nation’s baseline ability to function.


Last year, one Oklahoma electric co-op faced an estimated $1 million repair bill because copper thieves wrecked a substation for $100 worth of the metal. In New Mexico, a man was electrocuted while trying to cut


Here at home, Kiwash Electric is asking members to help by reporting unusual activity. If you see anyone other than co-op personnel or contractors around substations or other electric facilities, call the police or sheriff immediately, and then call Kiwash Electric at 888-832-3362.


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