Electrical Safety Authority and London Hydro Partner to Tackle Copper Theft and Protect Ontario Communities
New toolkit helps local utilities, municipalities, police and telecommunications providers raise awareness of electrical dangers and prevent injuries.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 12, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and London Hydro have partnered to launch Copper Theft Toolkit: Understanding Safety Risks and Community Impacts, a free communications toolkit developed collaboratively to help communities recognize the dangers, raise awareness and safely report suspicious activity. Copper theft is an ongoing safety concern that puts Ontarians at risk, damages essential infrastructure and imposes significant costs on communities.
Copper theft is more than a property crime. When copper is stolen from electrical systems, live equipment can be exposed, creating a risk of electrical shock, burns, electrocution and fire. Hazards are not always visible and can remain after a theft has occurred, putting members of the public, utility workers and first responders at risk. Damage to electrical infrastructure can also disrupt electricity, telecommunications and other essential services that homes, businesses and public facilities rely on every day.
The impact of copper theft is being felt across Ontario. Since 2015, 46 electrical safety incidents involving copper theft have been reported to the ESA. Last year alone, London Hydro reported more than $1.1 million in copper-theft-related costs, including expensive repairs and additional theft-prevention measures.
"Copper theft can have serious and even deadly consequences. It puts utility workers, first responders and the public at risk and can damage the electrical infrastructure communities depend on every day," said Josie Erzetic, President and CEO, Electrical Safety Authority. "Our partnership with London Hydro is an example of how we can work collaboratively to raise awareness, empower communities and help Ontarians before tragedy strikes."
"At London Hydro, safety comes first, for our employees and for the community we serve," said Ysni Semsedini, CEO, London Hydro. "Copper theft affects everyone, and a well-informed public is one of the most important partners we have. This toolkit gives utilities, municipalities and other partners simple, ready-to-use resources to help get that message out to customers and communities."
Three things everyone should know about copper theft
- Know the Risks: Copper theft can create electrical hazards that can seriously injure or kill people.
- Understand the Impact: Damage can affect critical infrastructure, service reliability and entire communities.
- See Something, Say Something: If you notice suspicious activity around electrical infrastructure, stay back 10 metres and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
Recent federal legislation with the passing of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) has brought renewed attention to crimes involving essential infrastructure, including copper theft. While legislative measures aim to strengthen accountability, preventing injuries also requires public awareness, vigilance and collaboration.
ESA and London Hydro are encouraging local utilities, municipalities, police services, telecommunications providers and other organizations impacted by copper theft to help strengthen community awareness by using and sharing the toolkit and its safety messages.
The free resources can be adapted for local websites, newsletters and social media channels.
Download the free Copper Theft Toolkit at: ESAsafe.com/CopperTheft.
About the Electrical Safety Authority
The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA's) role is to improve public electrical safety in Ontario. ESA is an administrative authority responsible for administering specific regulations under the Electricity Act, 1998 (Part VIII) related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province.
More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at ESAsafe.com, through Facebook, X and on LinkedIn.
About London Hydro
London Hydro is a Local Distribution Company that services the City of London, Ontario, Canada. With a peak load of 694 megawatts, we deliver a safe and reliable supply of electricity to over 169,000 customers from the residential, institutional, commercial and industrial sectors, through over 3,100 kilometres of overhead and underground cables, spanning 420 square kilometres of service territory. As a wholly owned subsidiary company, we operate much like a private entity under the Ontario Business Corporations Act, paying an annual dividend to our sole shareholder, the City of London. In essence, all Londoners own London Hydro.
Visit londonhydro.com for more information.
Media contacts
Electrical Safety Authority:
[email protected]
t: 905-712-7819
London Hydro:
Matt Quin, Director, Communications
[email protected]
t: 226-984-7273
SOURCE Electrical Safety Authority
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