WCEC TO USE HIGH TECH "DNA" MARKERS
TO COMBAT COPPER THEFT
Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc., (WCEC) has announced the employment of a new anti-theft tactic that should reduce instances of harmful and expensive copper theft committed upon WCEC's electric distribution system, which spans part of 9 East Texas counties. Over the last 18 months WCEC has incurred over $1.5M dollars in replacement cost, caused by damage from those stealing copper for resale at scrap metal facilities.
The objective of WCEC, through the use of a product called DataDot, will be to add unique markers to property throughout WCEC's distribution system, which will allow the property to be identified as the cooperative's. DataDot consist of micro-dots, no larger than a piece of glitter. Yet, these very small dots have been laser etched with specific codes registered to the cooperative. While very hard to see with the naked eye, the presence of DataDots can be detected through the use of a special kit, which only takes seconds to use.
WCEC has bought and distributed a quantity of these DataDot detection kits for the region's various law enforcement offices, as well as area metals dealers. Dealers will now be able to quickly check any suspect metal, while law enforcement will use these kits in the field. Also, with the detailed information provided by the DataDots, prosecution of offenders will be much easier, as origin of the stolen property will be very specific. Along with laws such as Senate Bill 1766, which has made it a state jail felony to steal wire cable that consist of 50% copper, aluminum or bronze, convicted perpetrators will have a much greater chance of long term incarceration.
These kits were given out at a special event held to roll-out WCEC's plans. Over 40 delegates from East Texas Law Enforcement agencies, including those from Smith, Wood, Van Zandt and Rains Counties, along with scrap metal dealers, came together to participate. Debbie Robinson, GM/CEO of WCEC, welcomed the group and told them of the cooperatives plans, while Dave Barnes and Rick Busik, representatives of DataDot, described the technology.
After the media event, Wood County Electric Cooperative Employees gained
instruction from DataDot representatives on how to apply the product and then
began the program by marking equipment at the Quitman Substation. Pictured,
left to right are: Brady Holcombe, Rick Busick (DataDot), David Barnes (DD),
Tommy Brown, Tony Brown, Robert Norman, Joann Busick (DD).
About the deployment of this new plan, Debbie Robinson said, "We believe this product will offer WCEC a technological advantage and we hope it makes anyone think twice before vandalizing our system. Their actions are causing dangerous conditions for the public, which cannot be tolerated. And, they are costing electricity consumers millions.
With the marking of our equipment, stolen items will act as a beacon for seizure, enable arrests, and ease prosecution. I can't think of a better deterrent."
The cost to replace the material and repair the damages is always many times more than the actual value of the stolen property. In addition to driving service cost up, there are concerns regarding public safety. In many instances these thieves climb directly onto power poles and clip miles of ground wire, leaving behind dangerous situations for innocent passers-by or the utility workers that must repair the damage. The perpetrators have also broken into substations, causing damage to them, as well as to transformers. They have also caused prolonged outages in several instances.
Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a not-for-profit electric cooperative with the mission of providing member-customers reliable electric service at a reasonable rate. WCEC serves over 31,000 meters in parts of nine counties throughout northeast Texas, including Camp, Franklin, Hopkins, Rains, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood.
Learn Safety and Conservation with our Touchstone energy Tools
At WCEC, it’s important to us that we offer our members educational tools, so they are able to make smart decisions about electricity use. Now, quick residential energy efficiency tips are just a few mouse clicks away. Because WCEC is a Touchstone Energy Partner, our members can now take advantage of some simple web based applications known as "Touchstone Energy $avers." These tools include a Light Bulb Energy Saver, which swiftly calculates dollars saved by replacement of CFLs, as well as tips about selecting an efficient water heater. There’s also an excellent Virtual House Tour which offers information and instruction on home energy efficiency.
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www.touchstoneenergysavers.com
