Electric cooperatives in Kentucky and Alabama are seeing an uptick in copper thefts, with several incidents reported recently.

Alabama’s Tombigbee Electric Cooperative has paid about $200,000 to repair and replace six miles of copper wire stolen off power poles in Lamar and Marion counties. The Hamilton-based co-op is working with sheriffs in both counties and has asked the public for help in identifying the thieves, who are likely selling the copper as scrap metal.

“We have not caught the thieves,” said President/CEO Britton Lightsey. “Of course, we want to catch them, but we really just want to deter them from stealing more.”

The co-op said in a Facebook post, “This is a MASSIVE concern for multiple reasons, including the reliability of the service in the area. In addition, this leads to costs for our membership and can be a huge safety risk for the individual.”

Vandals are also making the rounds in and around southcentral Kentucky, home of Glasgow-based Farmers RECC.

Since last year, utilities in the area have experienced widespread power and internet outages tied to copper thefts, including nearly 300 in Louisville. Major utility providers like Louisville Gas and Electric, AT&T and other telecom companies experienced service disruptions.

In Farmers RECC’s rural service areas, thieves stole copper grounds from up to 15 poles in Metcalfe County and in Barren County last July.

No outages were reported and repairs cost about $1,000, according to the co-op. In its public messaging, the co-op is emphasizing the risks of removing copper grounds and advising people to report unusual activity to them and to the authorities.

“Of least importance to us is the cost aspect,” said Caralyne Pennington, Farmers RECC director of member and public communications. “When copper grounds are removed, it can put the safety of our linemen at risk as they work to restore service. This is in addition to serious safety hazards for the thieves themselves.”

Kentucky utilities might be getting relief. In March, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed a law aimed at cracking down on copper thefts by imposing harsher penalties on those who vandalize infrastructure, including possible prison sentences of five to 10 years.