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Q&A

DTE Energy CSO: Copper Theft Still a Problem

Michael Lynch, CSO of Michigan utility DTE Energy, offers an update on the world of metal theft and on Michigan's problems and progress.

By Katherine Walsh, Staff Writer

May 20, 2008 —

In February 2007, CSO exposed the epidemic and security threat of copper theft. At the time, Michael Lynch, CSO of Michigan utility DTE Energy, gave CSO a first-hand look at the physical security challenge facing CSOs like himself. He recently sat down with CSO for another look inside the world of metal theft and an update on Michigan's problems and progress.

A dropped transformer, hanging
by its wire conductor.

CSO: How does the metal theft situation at DTE Energy today compare with what was going on when the original story was first reported in the fall of 2006?

Michael Lynch: It has accelerated. Last year we had over 400 incidents of energized conductor theft. That means that every day, multiple times a day, someone was stealing live copper wires. Last year it cost us well over $10 million to restore service when the wires were stolen.

Thieves place part of a fence over fire, using it as a grill to
burn electrical wire and extract copper.

CSO: What measures have you been taking to combat metal theft?

Lynch: We have had a terrific response from the Detroit police department. They recognize that this is not just a nuisance crime; it is a serious crime that's attacking the infrastructure of the city. It is also affecting public safety. If someone takes down a wire and we don't immediately know about it and someone steps on it, the result could be a serious injury. With law enforcement engaged, we've established a task force that meets once a week. It's made up of representatives from the electric industry, communications industry and the police department.