{"id":29195,"date":"2025-10-23T17:28:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T17:28:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/customer-stories\/how-southern-california-edison-stopped-copper-theft-with-ecam"},"modified":"2026-02-26T17:41:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T17:41:53","slug":"how-southern-california-edison-stopped-copper-theft-with-ecam","status":"publish","type":"customer-story","link":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/customer-stories\/how-southern-california-edison-stopped-copper-theft-with-ecam","title":{"rendered":"How Southern California Edison Stopped Copper Theft with ECAM\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group success-story-intro\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div id=\"chead-block_56bd8f404855d07129def433011838ed\" class=\"crit-h1 \">\n    <h1>How Southern California Edison Stopped Copper Theft with ECAM<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n    #chead-block_56bd8f404855d07129def433011838ed {\n        background: ;\n        color: ;\n    }\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"share-post-links\"><span>Share to:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fecam.com%2Fen-ca%2Fcustomer-stories%2Fhow-southern-california-edison-stopped-copper-theft-with-ecam&#038;text=How+Southern+California+Edison+Stopped+Copper+Theft+with+ECAM%C2%A0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/x-twitter-brands-solid.svg\" alt=\"Share to X\/Twitter\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fecam.com%2Fen-ca%2Fcustomer-stories%2Fhow-southern-california-edison-stopped-copper-theft-with-ecam&#038;title=How+Southern+California+Edison+Stopped+Copper+Theft+with+ECAM%C2%A0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/linkedin-in-brands-solid.svg\" alt=\"Share to LinkedIn\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fecam.com%2Fen-ca%2Fcustomer-stories%2Fhow-southern-california-edison-stopped-copper-theft-with-ecam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/facebook-f-brands-solid.svg\" alt=\"Share to Facebook\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About Southern California Edison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-tablet-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column form-overflow-content-col is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66%\">\n<p>Southern California Edison (SCE) is one of the nation\u2019s largest electric utilities, delivering power to millions of customers across Southern California for more than 125 years. The company operates numerous facilities that support critical power infrastructure across the region. When recurring thefts and break-ins at one of its electrical substations began creating both financial and safety risks, SCE turned to ECAM for a more effective and proactive security solution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:3%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column customer-logo is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"211\" src=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SCE-logo.png\" alt=\"SCE logo\" class=\"wp-image-29191\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SCE-logo.png 700w, https:\/\/ecam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SCE-logo-300x90.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Challenge for Southern California Edison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns cols-tablet-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column form-overflow-content-col is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>SCE faced a series of dangerous and costly security breaches.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Criminals were repeatedly cutting holes in the perimeter fence of one of SCE\u2019s facilities to steal copper grounding wire from electrical transformers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each theft created significant hazards: transformers were left ungrounded, risking electrical surges, potential fires, or power outages that could affect large sections of the grid. Beyond safety concerns, SCE also faced mounting costs from repairs, replacement materials, and traditional guard services that proved ineffective at deterring intrusions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Initial attempts to address the problem, such as installing a closed-circuit CCTV system and hiring onsite patrol guards, were unsuccessful. The cameras were passive and reactive, only providing footage after incidents occurred, while criminals learned to exploit patrol gaps in guard schedules to access the site undetected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:3%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How ECAM Helped Southern California Edison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ECAM implemented a proactive, technology-driven security strategy that replaced ineffective reactive measures with a fully monitored, virtual perimeter and real-time response capability.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key actions included:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Enhanced Surveillance Coverage:<\/strong> ECAM added multiple fixed cameras and <a href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/solution\/mobile-video-surveillance-en-ca\" data-type=\"solution\" data-id=\"406\">Mobile Surveillance Units<\/a> (MSUs) to expand visibility and eliminate blind spots.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Photoelectric Beam Technology:<\/strong> Installed to create a virtual security perimeter around the property. When the invisible beam was broken, operators were instantly alerted to a possible intrusion.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/solutions\/live-video-monitoring-and-surveillance\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"341\">Integrated 24\/7 Monitoring<\/a>:<\/strong> ECAM\u2019s UL-Listed, TMA Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Center verified all alerts in real time, dispatching security or law enforcement when needed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Active Deterrence Features:<\/strong> Sirens, strobe lights, and two-way voice-down audio were used to warn and deter trespassers before thefts could occur.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This layered approach created a continuously active security presence, eliminating predictable patrol patterns and preventing criminals from exploiting gaps in coverage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The ECAM Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Following deployment, ECAM\u2019s integrated solution immediately improved security performance and led to a marked uptick in arrest of intruders, effectively stopping the pattern of copper theft at the site.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key results included:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rapid detection and verification<\/strong> of unauthorized access attempts&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Successful deterrence<\/strong> through real-time alarms and communication&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enhanced safety<\/strong> through early incident alerts, protecting both property and grid stability&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Significant cost savings<\/strong>, replacing high-cost guard services with a proactive monitoring model that reduced the overall security budget by up to <strong>70%<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>ECAM\u2019s technology-driven monitoring solution gave Southern California Edison the protection and reliability needed to secure critical energy infrastructure; reducing risk, increasing efficiency, and delivering measurable, long-term savings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take the Next Step with ECAM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns next-step-cta-cols is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading h5-match\">Talk to an Expert<\/h2>\n\n\n    <div class=\"widget-text-image-block\">\n                \n                    <div class=\"widget-text-image-block__content\">\n                Ask about ECAM products, pricing, implementation, or what steps you can take to protect your property.            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fdcfc74e wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/get-pricing\">Get Pricing<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading h5-match\">Buyer\u2019s Guide to Modern Security Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n    <div class=\"widget-text-image-block\">\n                \n                    <div class=\"widget-text-image-block__content\">\n                Choosing the right security technology\u00a0shouldn\u2019t\u00a0feel\u00a0overwhelming.\u00a0This guide breaks down what\u2019s changed, what actually matters, and how to avoid the costly mistakes most organizations still make.            <\/div>\n            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industry-commercial-properties-en-ca industry-shopping-centers-and-retail-en-ca\" \n                         aria-label=\"How Green Earth Realty Eliminated Crime and Reclaimed Management Time\" \n                         itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\">\n                    \n                                                                        <a class=\"entry-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/customer-stories\/how-green-earth-realty-eliminated-crime-and-reclaimed-management-time\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"How Green Earth Realty Eliminated Crime and Reclaimed Management Time\">\n                                                \n                        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ecam-industry-shopping-center-retails.jpg\" class=\"alignright post-image entry-image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" itemprop=\"image\" 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<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":112,"featured_media":29249,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[362,478,479,480,376,334,484,485],"industry":[344],"solution":[433,434],"class_list":{"0":"post-29195","1":"customer-story","2":"type-customer-story","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"tag-copper-theft-en-ca","7":"tag-customer-success-stories-en-ca","8":"tag-customer-success-story-en-ca","9":"tag-stealth-monitoring-en-ca","10":"tag-energy-en-ca","11":"tag-live-video-monitoring-en-ca","12":"tag-msu-en-ca","13":"tag-utilities","14":"industry-energy-en-ca","15":"solution-live-video-monitoring-en-ca","16":"solution-mobile-video-surveillance-en-ca","17":"entry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customer-story\/29195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customer-story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/customer-story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/112"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customer-story\/29195\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29195"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=29195"},{"taxonomy":"solution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/solution?post=29195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}