Xcel Energy Takes Steps to Mitigate Theft of Copper Wire

Xcel Energy is reporting success in mitigating copper theft this year as theft is down 24 percent during the same period, reports the Senior Protection Services Consultant for Xcel Energy in Amarillo Chris Shelton.

According to Xcel, so far this year 53 percent of large-scale thefts have resulted in arrests with the company recovering stolen property in 62 percent of those cases.

"We can’t be specific about how we have been able to achieve this success because it’s an ongoing effort,” Shelton said. “But we want copper thieves to know that if they decide to steal from our facilities, we have new technology to detect crimes in progress, and respond immediately.”

Shelton went on to say copper theft can affect the reliability of electrical service and that continued losses could translate to higher electricity rates.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and other area law enforcement agencies are continuing to assist Xcel in mitigating the activity. Texas Department of Public Safety Senior Trooper Chris Ray said the theft of copper wire could potentially fuel different types of crime.

The theft alone is a danger to the public, but the funds derived from selling stolen copper help keep organized crime in business, which presents a greater threat to everyone living here. Joining our efforts with private industry is making a difference, and we’re not going to let up.”

Xcel is also implementing new features to their wire to discern stolen materials with ease. They have partnered with DataDot Technology USA to mark their wire with easily identifiable microscopic features.

Copper theft is categorized as a felony in Texas punishable by two years in state jail and a maximum $10,000 fine.