UPDATE: Energex has announced a swift transition from copper to aluminium cabling in response to a surge in copper thefts, costing the company an alarming $4.5 million annually. This urgent change comes as opportunistic thieves continue to strip valuable copper cables from construction sites and highways across Queensland, putting lives at risk.
Copper theft has escalated to such an extent that it is forcing electricity providers to overhaul their networks. Energex confirmed that the changeover, which was already planned, is now being expedited due to the relentless damage inflicted by these criminals. The shift will affect 52,000 kilometers of underground and overhead cabling in southeast Queensland, significantly reducing the chances of outages and enhancing safety around theft-prone areas.
An Energex spokesperson highlighted the dangers posed by these reckless acts: “Queensland’s electricity network can carry voltages of up to 132,000 volts, enough to kill instantly. Tragically, lives have been lost for copper worth only a few dollars.” The spokesperson emphasized that these acts not only endanger thieves but also pose serious risks to innocent community members, who may encounter exposed live wires and damaged equipment.
The transition to aluminium will not impact electrical distribution but is expected to significantly reduce theft, as aluminium is less valuable on the black market compared to copper. As part of its comprehensive strategy, Energex is also enhancing the traceability of materials in its network, making it more challenging for thieves to profit from stolen infrastructure.
This development is a major win for builders and homeowners, who have been grappling with the fallout from copper theft. Incidents have become increasingly common, with tradespeople across the region suffering financial losses due to stolen materials. In a striking example last year, CCTV footage captured thieves disguised as tradies stealing supplies from an Energex site.
As the situation escalates, Telstra is also facing similar challenges. Recently, a 60-meter-long cable was discovered dumped along the Bohle River in Townsville, highlighting the widespread impact of this criminal behavior.
Energex’s proactive measures come as a relief to many in the community. “It’s a win for builders and homeowners, and bad news for thieves,” the spokesperson added. The company is committed to safeguarding its infrastructure and protecting the public from the dangers associated with copper theft.
As this situation continues to develop, authorities urge individuals to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Community vigilance is crucial to combat this growing issue.
For ongoing updates, stay tuned as we monitor the situation closely. Do you have a story tip? Email: [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest news.
