It comes after power was cut to 770 homes and businesses in Lake Macquarie early yesterday morning following an attempted copper wire theft.
Parts of Carey Bay, Toronto and Kilaben Bay were left in the dark between 2:55am until 7:30am.
When restoration crews arrived, they discovered 150 metres of copper cable coiled on the ground and powerlines dangling from poles with cable cutters still attached.
Power was safely restored to all customers, with the damaged power lines replaced, however Ausgrid Chief Operating Officer, Trevor Armstrong condemned the reckless behaviour.
"These were high voltage, live powerlines carrying 11,000 volts," he explained,"so not only is this attempted theft brazen, it is also incredibly risky."
He said the party responsible put the safety of the greater public at risk as well.
"This could have ended tragically for the alleged theives, and we were very fortunate that no one was injured," Mr Armstrong asserted.
Copper is a highly sought-after metal in current markets due to demand for the product in electronic devices and infrastructure projects.
Locals who saw any suspicious activity near Ausgrid's Toronto West zone substation off Awaba Road in the early hours of Wednesday morning are urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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| Call the coppers: attempted thieves left cable cutters attached to the damaged powerlines. |
