Copper blade theft from sub-stations in Coimbatore region causes concern

Copper blade theft from Coimbatore sub-stations raises alarms as rising prices and demand fuel criminal activity.

The rising cost of copper and its demand from industries seem to have an impact on the major power sub-stations in Coimbatore region.

More than 100 copper blades, each weighing six to 12 kg, were stolen from the seven grid stations in the region in the last two months.

According to official sources, copper blades used in air break switches, isolators, and earth blades were stolen from the grid stations (230 / 110 KVA) at Palladam, Udumalpet, Gobichettipalayam, and so on between January 13 and February 23 this year. Coimbatore and nearby areas have as many as 26 such grid stations.

The Electricity Department and the police should look into the issue on a priority basis and form special squads to catch the culprits. If action is not taken, this will continue in more sub-stations, said K. Karthirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause.

M. Karthikeyan, president of the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association, said the cost of copper is up 35 % to 40 % in Coimbatore market from October last year to February 2026. The cost of copper now is ₹1,300 a kg in Coimbatore from ₹900 a kg last October. Copper is used by industries for winding and the large companies buy it in bulk. However, the micro units cannot afford to buy these in bulk because of the cost, he said.