Media Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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MONDAY – JANUARY 29, 2008
COMMUNITY ALERT FROM LOCAL ELECTRIC UTILITIES:
THEFT OF COPPER IMPACTS SAFETY AND RELIABILITY!
Region of Waterloo, Ontario - The recent electrocution of a Pickering man in the act of
stealing copper is a tragic example of how deadly and dangerous this simple crime of theft can
be for both the perpetrators and the public. Theft of copper is not a new problem for electric
utilities, according to Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro President John Grotheer. "The
incidents of copper theft increase as the market value of copper climbs. Our concern is that
these thefts compromise safety and the reliability of the distribution system."
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro President Jerry Van Ooteghem agrees. "Thieves are fearless when
cutting copper grounds or trespassing in restricted areas like substations and transformer
enclosures. In some cases, the theft may go unnoticed until a system problem surfaces. We
are on high alert because from a safety perspective these thieves are putting their own life in
jeopardy as well as the public and our employees."
Waterloo North Hydro President Rene Gatien explained, "Copper wiring is part of every electric
utility's distribution system. It has a purpose. Theft of copper affects the reliability of the
system. Depending on the location of the theft, customers may be subject to a power outage or
experience a power surge. Copper is a perfect ground. When you take that ground away, you
create a dangerous situation at that location. It jeopardizes the safety of the system, our
workers and the public".
"Safety of our workers and reliability for our customers is our priority", said Grotheer. "From a
safety perspective, every utility educates their workers on working safely. As trained
professionals, they wear personal protective equipment designed as a safety barrier. We also
perform regular line patrols to inspect the integrity of our distribution system. Today we are
asking the public to help us in our quest to deliver reliable, quality power and keep our
communities safe, by reporting any unusual activity around our equipment".
Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc., a local distribution company, delivers electricity to 48,700 customers in the City of Cambridge and the Township of North Dumfries. The electricity is delivered through their local distribution grid of poles, wires and underground systems to meet the needs of their communities over 305 square kilometers. Their team Vision is to exceed customer and other stakeholder expectations through operational excellence.
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and the Chief Energy Conservation Officer (CECO) were established
by The Electricity Restructuring Act, 2004 to plan Ontario's new power system, to acquire new sources of
power, and to promote a culture of conservation throughout the province. The OPA began operations in
2005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc.
Barbara Shortreed, Director Customer Care & Public Relations
519-621-8405, ext. 2227, bshortreed@camhydro.com
Check us out: www.camhydro.com
