March 2012
Legislature Follows Through
by Keven J. Groenewold
Keven J. Groenewold
By the time this issue of enchantment makes it to your mailbox, another legislative session will be in the rear view mirror. This was a short session (30 days) and was limited to the state budget and issues of critical importance to the state of New Mexico. Therefore, a short session really means fewer bills for co-ops to follow.
One of the critical issues Governor Martinez did add to the session agenda, was a bill that addresses the rampant theft of metal.
Thefts of copper, brass, aluminum, and bronze are on the rise, at commercial buildings, schools, empty homes, and—most dangerously—at power substations near neighborhoods.
This problem has been discussed in this column before. It's hard to understand why folks would put their life on the line for a few dollars. Many law enforcement officials believe that methamphetamine users are responsible for much of the problem.
And the damage done to our distribution system packs a big punch, since equipment can be ruined without the protection copper grounding wires provide. There's also the potential for loss of life. In 2010, metal theft-related deaths occurred in several states.
The cost for scrap copper goes up and down, but recently it's been on the rise—and so have robbery attempts. Last year scrap copper sold for five times the amount it went for just ten years ago.
We use copper to ground our equipment, protecting it from electrical surges and lightning by giving electricity a safe path to ground. We use a lot of copper wire in our substations, where we step-down high-voltage electricity arriving from distant power plants before it travels to your neighborhood.
Then another transformer near your home—either mounted on a utility pole or in a green box on the ground—lowers the voltage again so you can use the power at home.
Copper is an essential component every step of the way. The legislature's reaction to this issue was unanimous. Senate Bill 67, and House Bill 118, passed both the House and the Senate unanimously.
It passed committees unanimously. Democrats and Republicans, urban or rural, it made no difference. The vote was the same every time. It's not hard to understand why.
Soaring metal prices are blamed for an increase in thefts of copper and aluminum, primary components of electric distribution lines.
Recent thefts of copper wire and equipment from electric utilities are responsible for power outages, additional maintenance and expenses, diminished service reliability, and, in some cases, serious injury or death.
The changes require second-hand metal dealers to register with New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department. The changes allow second-hand metal dealers to photograph the seller and the scrap metal.
If law enforcement has probable cause, it can put a five-day hold on the scrap metal in question. There are other requirements as well.
We know that these additional controls are not the fix-all or end-all. We will still have metal theft that creates a lot more havoc through vandalism, property destruction, and lost productivity from power outages. But these changes are additional tools that will help lessen the problem. Because at the end of the day, stopping these would-be thieves keeps the system safe and reliable.
If you run into your legislator, thank him or her for their attention and support of this important legislation.
