NARUC Wants Copper Theft Federally Criminalized

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2025 – Copper theft and vandalism have gotten out of hand. Criminals have been hauling off loads of copper wire in broad daylight, and in one case, thieves even impersonated tech crews.

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, which represents state public service commissioners responsible for regulating utility services, has called on Congress to pass a law to crack down on copper theft.

“NARUC encourages Congress to protect communications networks similar to other critical utility infrastructure, including energy facilities and transportation systems, by criminalizing at the federal level acts of theft and vandalism,” the association stated in a Resolution proposed during its 2025 Winter Policy Summit.

NARUC said telecom infrastructure is “essential for emergency response systems, law enforcement coordination, and critical government operations,” adding that disruption to them due to theft and vandalism “jeopardizes public safety, imposes significant costs on providers, consumers, and the American economy.”

Referencing a study published by NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, NARUC noted that in just one three-month period in 2024, there were 4,000 reported cases of copper theft, which impacted hundreds of thousands of customers and caused millions of dollars in losses.

The association urged its members to support efforts at all levels of governance, enforcement, and industry to prevent infrastructure damage and combat the rise in metal theft.

“NARUC encourages its member commissions to collaborate with state legislatures, local governments, the federal government, law enforcement, the communications industry, and the scrap metal industry to help raise awareness of this issue and assist in efforts to implement comprehensive solutions that protect infrastructure.”

NARUC’s four-day 2025 Winter Policy Summit is scheduled to conclude here Wednesday.