Case Study: BC Hydro reduces copper theft with nVent theft-deterrent composite cable

How to Stop a Copper Thief a Good Disguise

BC Hydro, British Columbia’s largest electric utility, faced a costly and recurring challenge with copper grounding conductor theft on easily accessible utility poles. Stolen wire had to be replaced repeatedly, creating major expense and leaving critical infrastructure at risk. BC Hydro turned to nVent for help, seeking a replacement that would preserve the conductivity and flexibility of copper while reducing its appeal to thieves.

nVent adapted its rail jumper cable design into nVent ERICO Theft Deterrent Composite Cable, a grounding solution with a steel outer layer and copper core that looks like low-value steel cable and is difficult to cut or scrap. nVent delivered samples within weeks, and BC Hydro now buys more than 300,000 feet of the cable each year. The result has been a sharp drop in theft at replacement locations, helping BC Hydro reduce repeat replacement costs and better protect its distribution system.

BC Hydro

Fred Dennert

Division Manager for Distribution Standards