Copper Theft on the Rise (Again)
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, copper theft costs U.S. businesses around $1 billion every year.
The fluctuating yet steady increase in the price per pound of copper since Jan. 1 is contributing to the rise of copper theft in the electric, water and communications industries.
On May 5, the price per pound for copper was $4.72, based on information from investing.com. That is down slightly from an all-time high of $5.22 per pound at the end of March. Fluctuating copper prices have been hovering around the $5 mark since Jan. 1 and are the result of a complex interplay of factors, with increased demand due to the energy transition and AI, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs, and ongoing supply chain challenges playing significant roles.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, copper theft costs U.S. businesses around $1 billion every year. Copper wiring, prized for its high value, is a frequent target. Residential construction sites, utility poles and electrical substations are especially vulnerable, particularly in unmonitored or remote locations.
Grounding wires, which are critical for system stability and safety, are frequently stolen from these locations. This compromises the electrical grid, increasing the likelihood of power surges, outages, and safety hazards for utility workers and the public. In some cases, stolen grounding wires have led to catastrophic equipment failures, fires, or extensive grid damage.
CIPCO, like a lot of utilities, takes measures to discourage would-be thieves.
“If we discover copper has been tampered with or stolen and needs to be replaced, we will replace it with copper-coated, or copper clad, ground wire,” said Tim Root, Area Supervisor for Integrated Operations. “Copper clad is not as valuable for thieves and not worth their time. We are also installing security cameras at each of our substation locations, as well as conducting monthly inspections to identify any areas that may have been tampered with.”
Aside from the safety risk, copper theft penalties in Iowa can range from fines to imprisonment depending on the severity of the crime. In 2012, the Iowa legislature passed a law that required scrap metal dealers to obtain a name, address, place of business and proper identification before purchasing scrap metal from any individual, and imposes fines for noncompliance to help deter thieves.