NEWS FROM WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2,
2006
CONTACT: LaVerne Kyriss, 720-962-7051, kyriss@wapa.gov
HELP WESTERN COMBAT VANDALISM AT LOCAL ELECTRIC FACILITY
LAKEWOOD , Colo. —A high-voltage electrical facility near Martin, S.D., owned by Western Area Power Administration, appears to be a target for vandalism. Western is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the parties responsible for recently breaking into this facility.
Martin Substation, located near Martin, is used by Western’s Upper Great Plains Regional Office to control Western’s power grid in the area. Vandals shot up the substation during a recent weekend.
“We’re looking for information from anyone who either saw something or has information about this 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 Martin Police Department. Witness identities remain confidential.
While the cost of the vandalism is not yet known, incidents like this one can 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 these vandals committing a crime, they’re putting their lives in danger.”
“Damaging electrical equipment by shooting at it can also result in power outages to critical facilities such as hospitals and people on life support equipment in homes and other residential care facilities,” Moody added.
-30-
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
Return to the Newsroom.