Opinion : Letter to the Editor - Copper theft hits local REC; group asks for new law

Dear Editor,

Across the country and here in Iowa theft of precious metals (including copper, aluminum and bronze) is on the rise from abandoned buildings, empty houses and most dangerously, from power lines along rural roads, electric cooperative power substations and storage facilities. Copper theft is a growing, expensive and dangerous trend in Iowa that threatens electric reliability, safety and lives.

East-Central was recently the victim of copper theft. During the weekend of February 18 and 19 someone broke into our Vinton Operations Center and carried off $11,000 worth of copper wire.

The Iowa Legislature is currently considering House File 2399, which is a solutions-based approach to give law enforcement tools to track the sale of salvaged materials. Electric cooperatives support this legislation and are in agreement with law enforcement groups that this simple bill and the creation of a paper trail could deter future copper theft crime.

Please join us in support of this bill so we can keep the delivery of your electricity safe and reliable, and avoid the large repair bills that copper theft leaves behind.

Sincerely,

Harry V. Ruth

Chief Executive Officer

East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative