Copper theft disrupts power at Mueller Regional Retail Center

Austin Energy said multiple businesses remain without power after someone stole copper service conductors.

AUSTIN, Texas — Mueller Regional Retail Center shoppers are arriving to find several stores closed as electrical repairs continue Friday. 

Austin Energy Media Public Information Officer Matt Mitchell said at least 10 businesses have been affected by a power disruption after someone vandalized electrical equipment and stole copper service conductors. 

“Austin Energy first became aware on Monday, Aug. 17,” Mitchell said. 

As of Friday afternoon, he said some stores remain without normal electrical service including Best Buy, Marshalls, Michaels, 5 Below, Old Navy, Sprouts, Sephora and Bath & Body Works. 

Vincent Nguyen, an employee of Great Nails, said the store lost power for three days.

“We [couldn’t] work,” Nguyen said. 

He said the outage did impact the business.

“Fortunately, on Wednesday whenever we opened back up, it was just a downpour,” Nguyen said. “People coming in. People were so excited. They’re like, ‘Thank God the lights are back on.’ We did bounce right back when it got on,” Nguyen said. 

“The only damage to Austin Energy equipment was to transformer locks which were cut and removed,” Mitchell said. “The main issues occurred on the customer’s side of the service.” 

The disruption is affecting both businesses and shoppers at the busy shopping area. 

Customers arriving at some stores are being met with signs saying the businesses are closed while power issues continue. 

Mary Hutka came ready to shop.

“I’m not happy,” Hutka said. “That’s terrible.”

Instead, she said she found dark stores and “temporarily closed” signs on the door. When she learned it was due to someone taking the property’s equipment, she said she was disappointed. 

“I hate that because it’s just people stealing,” Hutka said.

One worker told KVUE that some businesses have relied on generators while repairs are underway.

Austin Energy said the property’s electrical contractor is installing new secondary conductors. 

“Once that is complete, they will schedule emergency inspections with the City of Austin, then notify Austin Energy that they are ready to be reconnected and removed from their supplemental generation,” Mitchell said. “All restoration timelines are dependent on the repair timelines. The electrical contractor has direct contact for Austin Energy teams when they are ready to be reconnected.”