Some electric companies changing wires.

[moneysense]

Due to the high amount of thefts of copper wire, some electric companies are changing from the solid copper wires of the past, which bring a good price at a salvage yard, to wires that are only copper clad.

Copper clad wires are made up of a steel core with a copper exterior. This wire is much harder to cut than the solid copper wire is and will also help in detering thieves.

Even though electric companies warn that stealing equipment could cost thieves their lives since they would be dealing with live electrical current while trying to steal the wires.

Electric companies are also using new security technology to deter thieves and to catch thieves in the act of that theft.

[dollardaze]

I'm hoping that the theft of these wires at this time of year is down to no theft at all, though that's a lot to hope for. I'm thinking of all the people that rely on the electricity coming through those wires that keep heat flowing throughout their homes. If those thieves were to think about being made to pay the price for the deaths of anyone that lost heat and then froze to death, or became ill enough to be hospitalized because of it, perhaps they'd quit stealing these wires. This is not the time of year to be taking the chance on not only being electrocuted themselves, but also taking the chance on causing the deaths of other people.

[ClassyLady]

Very true , dollardaze!!! Seems all they care about is the money!! This could cost poeple their lives this time of year. they should wait till spring.