SaskPower expecting spike in copper thefts due to warmer weather

With the weather warming up, SaskPower’s asking people to be on the lookout for a spike in copper thefts.

On Monday, the Crown corporation put out a reminder on Twitter, advising its followers to be aware of the ongoing issue and to report any seemingly suspicious activity around power poles to police.

Copper's being stolen from our power poles throughout Regina. It creates a hazard for the thief or the public, which could result in a serious injury or death. If you see this happening or know any details, pls contact the Regina Police Service. #SkPowerSafe #CrimeStoppers pic.twitter.com/ci3GObQQd8

— SaskPower (@SaskPower) February 24, 2020

“This is a problem that happens all over the province,” Scott McGregor, a spokesperson for SaskPower, said Wednesday. “Wherever there are power poles, there’s a chance of this happening.”

McGregor said SaskPower sees on average one to two copper thefts per week across the province. That number typically increases as the weather gets warmer.

Over the last couple few weeks, he noted it has become more common for crews to find the sheathing on power poles peeled back, with four- to six-foot-long chunks of copper wire that typically are tucked inside missing.

The normal sheathing on a power pole. (Courtesy of SaskPower)

Not only is this theft dangerous, posing the risk of electrocution to the thief, but McGregor added it increases the chance of a power outage by creating instability in the electrical system.

“On a power pole, sometimes you’ll see some sheathing running down the side of it and inside that is a ground cable — what that is is a thick piece of copper wire that runs into the ground and it grounds the electrical system. It’s kind of like the third prong for the plug-in that you’d plug into a wall,” McGregor explained. “This is a very important part of the electrical system as it grounds the entire circuit.”

Though some of the theft is mischief, he said it’s more likely people are taking the copper for the fast cash.

“Copper does carry a value with it and it’s a commodity that’s valuable, so people are taking it and likely selling it,” McGregor said, noting it has proven costly for SaskPower to replace.

He suggests people call police if they see any unmarked vehicles lingering near power poles or people working on them late at night.