Brantford Power Warns That Copper Theft Can Be Deadly

December 20, 2019

Brantford Power wants to warn the public that copper theft can be deadly. We have seen a recent increase in people stealing the copper ground wire from our poles as well as copper wiring on customer-owned equipment.

Copper wire is used to ground high voltage electrical equipment and it is an integral part of the overall protection system for the electrical distribution network. The practice of cutting the copper ground wire from poles and equipment is very dangerous.

The Electrical Safety Authority warns that theft of copper negatively affects public safety, worker safety, the utility’s protection systems, the ability to control power surges and the reliability of the power distribution system. Stealing copper from an energized electric grid is an extremely dangerous undertaking, which puts the lives of the public, utility employees and the people who partake in the activity of stealing the copper at serious risk of injury or death from electrocution.

If you notice damage to any Brantford Power equipment, stay clear and contact us at 519-751-3522.

Media Release – Brantford Power Warns that copper theft can be deadly