LANSING, Mich., July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- With a dramatic 104 percent
increase in Consumers Energy copper and aluminum thefts during the first
five months of 2008 compared to last year, the utility and Michigan Public
Service Commission are warning thieves they risk severe injury or death to
themselves, the general public and utility employees when attempting to
steal from the utility's equipment or facilities. In addition, those
convicted of this crime will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Consumers Energy has recorded 55 copper/aluminum thefts through May of
this year, with incidents occurring at the utility's substations up 275
percent through the same timeframe. A total of 30 substation thefts have
been tallied, up from eight in 2007.
"Theft of these metals is so much more expensive than their actual
value. Public safety is compromised every time such a theft occurs, energy
interruptions can result, and unexpected repair costs are incurred," said
Frank Johnson, senior vice president of Energy Operations for Consumers
Energy.
Anyone witnessing suspicious activity around utility equipment or
facilities is urged to call 1-800-760-3295 immediately, or contact local
law enforcement officials, who can expedite capture or recovery efforts.
The utility has also implemented increased security and surveillance
measures at key locations to assist in identifying those responsible for
this illegal activity. Substation thefts continue to be prevalent in
Genesee, Saginaw, Calhoun, Jackson and Barry Counties which have seen a
marked increase in theft incidents since last year.
"In communities large and small, copper cable theft continues to be a
major problem that hurts customers - from the resulting power outages, to
the dangerous, live wires that may be exposed in neighborhoods," said
Michigan Public Service Commission Chairman (MPSC) Orjiakor Isiogu. "The
MPSC urges customers to be watchful and report any suspicious activity
around utility areas to the police."
Consumers Energy is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to
the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in theft of copper, vandalism,
tampering or trespassing at an electric substation or service center.
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation
(NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to more than six million
of the state's nearly 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula
counties.
SOURCE Consumers Energy
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Related links:
http://www.consumersenergy.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/203850.html/
CONTACT:
Terry DeDoes, +1-517-374-2159, or Debra Dodd,
+1-586-918-0597, both of Consumers Energy
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