NEWS FROM WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2006
CONTACT: LaVerne Kyriss, 720-962-7051, kyriss@wapa.gov
HELP WESTERN COMBAT THEFT AT LOCAL ELECTRIC FACILITY
LAKEWOOD, Colo. —A high-voltage electrical facility in Fargo , N.D. , owned by Western Area Power Administration, appears to be a target for vandalism. Western employees were approached earlier this year by individuals wanting to know if copper was stored at the site.
Local residents are asked to help Western keep the lights on by reporting incidents of damage, vandalism, theft and other crimes at its facilities. Western offers up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of parties responsible for crimes at its facilities.
Fargo Substation, located southwest of Fargo , N.D. , is used by Western’s Upper Great Plains Regional Office to control Western’s power grid in the area.
“We’re looking for information from anyone who either saw something or has information about an incident,” said Western’s Security Officer Pam Moody. Individuals can report information about this incident or other vandalism to Western’s Crime Watch program toll-free at 1-800-209-8962, online at http://www.wapa.gov/CorpSrvs/crime.htm or by contacting the Fargo Police Department. Witness identities remain confidential.
Preventing vandalism and theft helps keep power rates in check. Vandalism and theft incidents contribute to higher operation and maintenance costs. “Historically, crimes against Western's facilities, equipment, real estate, employees, property and assets have cost the agency up to half a million dollars a year. This includes such crimes as theft of equipment and supplies, burglary, illegal dumping and vandalism,” said Moody. “We need the public’s help in reporting these crimes.
“Electrical facilities contain high-voltage power equipment that can cause serious injury or even death from someone unknowingly contacting or coming too close to energized equipment,” she added. “It’s dangerous to be inside a substation without the proper training. So, not only are vandals committing a crime, they’re putting their lives in danger.”
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Western Area Power Administration annually markets and transmits more than 10,000 megawatts of power from hydroelectric powerplants owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 15 western and central states. It is part of the Department of Energy.
Serving the West with Federal hydropower
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