FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 21, 2002
CONTACT: LaVerne Kyriss, 720-962-7051, kyriss@wapa.gov

LAKEWOOD, Colo.—A substation near Glasgow, Mont., was vandalized Oct. 9 by someone shooting at an electrical transformer. Western Area Power Administration needs your help to identify who caused the damage.

"We're looking for information from anyone who either saw something or has information about who caused this damage," said Western's Security Officer Pam Moody. Individuals can report information about this or other vandalism to Western's Crime Watch program toll-free at 1-800-209-8962, online at www.wapa.gov/crime/ or by contacting the local sheriff's office.

Whatley substation is owned by Western Area Power Administration and serves Valley Electric Cooperative. It is located about five miles east of Glasgow on the south side of Highway 2.

You could receive up to $1,000 for information leading the arrest and prosecution of anyone causing damage to Western facilities or property. Witness identities remain confidential. "Damage to Western's transmission equipment can result in life-threatening hazards, can cause fires and kill or injure people. Power outages caused by vandalism are dangerous and we need the help of the community to catch those who commit these crimes," Moody said.

Gunshot damage to a transformer at Whatley Substation leaked nearly 500 gallons of oil. As a result, Western had to take the transformer out of service, interrupting some electrical service to Valley Electric Cooperative for about two hours late on Oct. 9. Initial costs to clean up the spilled oil were about $4,500. Transformer repair costs were about $27,000. Costs of the power outage are not yet available.

Western Area Power Administration markets and transmits Federal hydropower across the west, and serves community-owned utilities, rural electric cooperatives, public utility districts, Native American tribes and Federal and state agencies.