BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Aug. 22, 2008 - The national trend of thieves attempting to cash in on the increasing value of copper is hitting close to home and Alabama Power is responding accordingly.

Theft incidents at Alabama Power facilities statewide increased dramatically from 39 in 2005 to 103 in 2007, a nearly 200-percent increase. The increase continues into 2008 with the number of copper thefts reaching 132 for the year. This is in line with the sharp increase in the value of copper in recent years  –  from less than $1 per pound to $3 per pound.

With market conditions appearing to drive the increase in copper thefts, company officials are taking aggressive steps to stop the crime. “Alabama Power’s Security Department works closely with law enforcement statewide to investigate theft incidents and prosecute those responsible. The company is combating these thefts through legislation, special marking of material for identification, increased intrusion detection or alarm systems as well as special surveillance measures,” said Alabama Power Security Manager Randy Mayfield.

Thieves risk serious injury or worse when they break into Alabama Power facilities to steal copper. Once inside, criminals cut through and remove copper wires, which could lead to electrical shock, injury and possibly death.

Material losses are significant, but equipment damages are often more detrimental. The theft of a few hundred dollars in copper often results in thousands of dollars in damage to equipment. Equipment damage due to theft can also compromise the reliability and safety of the system and result in costly repairs and power outages. Company officials are replacing copper with copper-plated steel, a material valued substantially less than copper.  “If we can’t reach the criminals, then we want the scrap metal dealers to know that they may not be getting pure copper,” Mayfield said.
   
Legislators and industries joined in the fight against copper thefts in support of a state law. HB-94 went into effect last September, which makes it tougher for thieves to sell to metal dealers. Also, both seller and purchaser face criminal penalties upon violation of the law.

“Any way you look at it, it’s a no-win situation if these crimes continue,” said Mayfield. “We want Alabama Power customers to know that we are doing our part to put an end to this.”

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state.  To find out more information about Alabama Power Company, visit www.alabamapower.com.

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Media Contact: Kesia Sharpe, APC Corporate Communications, (205) 257.4155 or ksharpe@southernco.com