Peak prices for scrap copper have resulted in reckless, life-threatening behavior from copper thieves throughout the nation–including Southwestern Illinois.

Break-ins weren’t limited to substations in isolated areas, Richardson said. Southwestern substations at Troy and Holiday Shores–both targeted by copper thieves in late April–are within sight of homes and businesses.

In April, copper thieves broke into four substations owned by Southwestern Electric Cooperative. Once inside, thieves cut copper conductor from regulators and other substation equipment.

"We’re only going to stop these people with the public’s help," said Richardson. "If you see a vehicle parked near a utility substation at night–and it doesn’t have our logo on it–call local law enforcement, then call Southwestern Electric at (800) 637-8667. You’ll be helping a lot of people," he said, "and you may save some misguided individual’s life."

Engineering personnel examined each substation following the break-ins. In at least one case, thieves accidently had energized a concrete pad with 7,200 volts of electricity.

"What they’re doing is supremely stupid," said Joe Richardson, director of communications for Southwestern Electric. "It’s Russian roulette with wire-cutters. If they aren’t caught, they’re going to electrocute themselves. Even if they don’t care for their own safety, we don’t want to see anyone get hurt."

In addition to jeopardizing their safety, thieves are costing the cooperative thousands of dollars in lost time, materials and repairs. "Each time they break in, they’re compromising the integrity of a substation that may serve thousands of our members. Our personnel have to examine each piece of equipment, then perform diagnostic tests to verify that our system reliability hasn’t been compromised," Richardson said. "Every hour we’re working to restore what they’ve destroyed is time we’re not spending on maintaining our system or serving our members."

Southwestern Electric Cooperative, a not-for profit utility based in Greenville and delivers power to more than 20,000 members in Southwestern Illinois.