Hot Wire, Cold Reality

View this ad full size (PDF: 217 KB : get viewer) Listen to our radio commercial (MP3: 30 secs.: 468 Kb: get viewer)

Indiana Michigan Power is working to alert the public to a very disturbing trend – the theft of copper and other metal from the electric-delivery system for its value as scrap metal. Not only is stealing wire from power lines for scrap metal illegal, it can be a deadly decision. Stealing wire and equipment from utility facilities can cause power surges or outages for customers or worse: an innocent person could come into contact with damaged equipment that thieves have tampered with.

I&M is working with law enforcement, community leaders and scrap metal centers to raise awareness of the dangers involving theft of equipment that powers your community. You can help. I&M encourages you to contact local law enforcement by dialing 911 if you suspect theft of electrical equipment from the electric distribution system. You may also report a theft directly to I&M at 1-866-747-5845.

Never go near downed or damaged power lines! Contact I&M at the toll free number below or call 911 to report power lines lying on the ground.

Indiana - 800-311-4634
Michigan - 800-311-6424

Individuals carrying large amounts of wire or scrap metal should raise suspicion.

What to look for:

• Missing sections of power lines or ground wires
• Power lines hanging in the air or lying on the ground
• Missing covers to underground vaults or covers that are out of position
• Cut fences or locks near electric substations, or holes dug underneath fences.
• Any suspicious or unauthorized person near power company facilities. Only I&M personnel or personnel working for a subcontractor hired by I&M should be near these facilities using the proper safety equipment. 
• Individuals carrying large bundles of wire in the neighborhood.

If it looks suspicious, report it. The potential consequences of altering the electrical delivery system are too great to look the other way.