NC bill would increase fines, jailtime for damaging substations and other critical infrastructure

PRE News & Ideas | By Sharryse Piggott, WUNC

Published February 2, 2023 at 10:16 AM EST

This photos shows the gate to the Duke Energy West End substation in Moore County, N.C. on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. Tens of thousands were without power in the county after what authorities say was an act of criminal vandalism at multiple substations. The Pilot newspaper in Southern Pines reported that infrastructure at the West End substation was damaged.

A newly introduced bill would enhance penalties for damaging critical infrastructures in North Carolina.

For example, someone attacking an electric utility facility could receive up to about 10 years in prison and a 250-thousand dollar fine. Currently, it could carry up to a year in prison.

State Senator Paul Newton is one of the bill's co-sponsors.

“If you and your counterparts choose to destroy electrical infrastructure in North Carolina, you are not only going to do time, you are going to go to jail," he said, "But you are also going to be financially responsible for every damage, direct and indirect that you cause to our state times three.”

This comes after two substations were attacked last year in Moore County. Thousands of Duke Energy customers went without electricity.

There's also a bill filed in the House that would require utilities to provide 24-hour security at electrical substations. State Representative Ben Moss is that bill's sponsor.