Crime
Copper Theft Crackdowns EyedPublished: February 14th, 2012
Copper theft bills are keeping lawmakers busy in at least three states. A bill pending in the Vermont legislature would allow victims of metal theft to include not only the value of the stolen... Read more
Crime
Co-op Hit by Suspected Pot RingPublished: February 13th, 2012
A suspected marijuana growing operation has left a South Carolina electric cooperative the victim of a major electricity theft. “We’re not talking about run-of-the-mill meter tampering,” said Lee... Read more
Crime
Father, Son Copper Thieves JailedPublished: January 18th, 2012
A father-son copper theft team is off to federal prison for a scam that victimized a manufacturer of wire and cable for electric utilities. And Alabama officials are considering a new law to fight copper... Read more
Crime
Bullets Damage Co-op TransformersPublished: January 16th, 2012
One bullet can seriously damage an electric transformer, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damage and tying up skilled personnel and specialized equipment for days. Those are among the... Read more
Crime
Feds Unveil Cyber Defense InitiativePublished: January 10th, 2012
Federal agencies will work closely with the electric power industry under a White House initiative intended to enhance security of the grid from cyber attacks. The effort, led by the Department of... Read more
Crime
New California Copper Theft LawPublished: January 5th, 2012
The new year brought a new copper theft law to California. Stealing copper worth more than $950 is now categorized as grand theft in the Golden State. Conviction on felony charges can bring up to... Read more
Crime
Gunfire Vandalism Risks IncreasingPublished: January 3rd, 2012
Gunfire vandalism could be a greater threat to reliability as more utilities add complex fiber optic communications lines to their systems, co-op officials warn. “Shooting at electrical equipment... Read more