Power Network Asks Locals to Help Fight Theft
Electricity distributor VKG Elektrivõrgud has appealed to residents of Estonia's northeastern Ida-Viru County to keep their eyes peeled and blow the whistle on any so-called "metal hunters" they see lurking around substations and transmission towers.
Metal theft is a chronic problem in Estonia, with perpetrators often willing to risk electrocution by raiding live equipment for its scrap value.
In his address to the region's residents, company board member Marek Tull said that theft is not only costing the company money, but is causing customers even more problems in the form of power outages and burned-out appliances, not to mention higher distribution charges, rus.err.ee reported.
He also stressed the safety hazards created when thieves leave live high tension cables hanging or lying on the ground, and the environmental damage caused when transformer insulation fluid is spilled.
Tull asked that people contact the police or company dispatchers if they see anyone working on equipment while not wearing a company uniform, using an unmarked vehicle, or working after dark without lights.
Steve Roman