January 24, 2012 – Newfoundland Power is asking the general public to be on the lookout for individuals vandalizing the province’s electricity system. Recent acts of vandalism involved stripping copper grounding wire attached to high-voltage powerlines in the Argentia area. Needless to say, this activity creates a serious safety risk for Newfoundland Power employees, contractors, the general public and the thieves themselves.

“Our customers rely on us to deliver safe, reliable service every day,” said Gary Smith, Newfoundland Power’s VP of customer operations and engineering. “Besides the inconvenience to our customers and the cost to the company, our primary concern is the potential for injury or even death.”

Newfoundland Power will pay $5000 to any individual for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Anyone with information regarding this incident, or any act of theft or vandalism to electrical equipment, is encouraged to contact their local RCMP, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary detachment or Crime Stoppers.