Vandals shoot up electric substation

Damage to three transformers at a NorVal Electric Coop substation in Frazer was discovered Monday morning. Valley County Sheriff Glen Meier said vandals shot the transformers and they are leaking oil. They are still running now because it is cold, but when it gets hot they will shut down.

"This could put everyone in Frazer and south out of electricity," Meier said.
He said NorVal is looking for replacement parts, but it could take up to two years to get them. Meanwhile, they will try to reroute the electricity or bring in portable transformers.

The transformers cost $35,000 each, so the total damage is more than $100,000, plus time and labor costs.

Meier said investigators have taken some physical evidence from the scene. He hopes to receive some tips via Crimestoppers, which can reward anonymous informants. The number is 800-222-2226.

"This was a very selfish act," Meier said. "It could put a lot of people out of electricity when it's still cold out."