Utilities across the Midwest are noticing an increase in copper theft, including co-ops in Iowa, and even at Consumers Energy, as the value of scrap copper is on the rise due to high global demand. Thieves will try to steal copper wiring from electric substations, farming operations, construction sites, and even rip it from utility poles in an attempt to get quick money at the scrap yard. The Department of Energy estimates that this problem now amounts to over a billion dollars each year.

Copper theft is dangerous because it damages our electric infrastructure, causes power outages, creates hazardous situations for our employees and members, and requires expensive repairs. For example, missing ground wires can energize various system components that normally aren’t energized. The damage caused by copper theft almost always exceeds the value of the copper. In some cases, thieves are putting their lives on the line to steal just a few dollars’ worth of wire.

Consumers Energy uses copper to ground equipment, protecting it from electrical surges and lightning by giving electricity a safe path to ground. We also use copper wire in substations, where high-voltage electricity arriving from distant power plants is stepped down before it travels to your neighborhood. Then another transformer near your home – mounted either on a utility pole or in a green box on the ground – lowers the voltage again so you can use the power at home.

Criminals often climb power poles, scale or cut fences, and break into buildings to steal copper. If you see suspicious activity around one of our substations or near our electric infrastructure, please call the police immediately. If you have a copper theft tip to share with the police, contact Crime Stoppers at 800-452-1111. Your information and identity will remain anonymous, and you could receive a reward if the perpetrators are caught and a crime is solved. Together, we can cut down on copper theft.