(RALEIGH) -- Cash payments for scrap copper would be banned in a bill that is being pushed in the General Assembly. The measure was drawn up to combat the explosion of copper theft in the state.

The bill is being pushed by the state’s utilities, among others. Jay Rouse with the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives said there's a reason why copper sales are popular.

"Our primary goal is to remove copper as a easy source of cash for thieves.  A lot of them tend to be methamphetimine addicts, as I hear from the sheriff's office as an easy form of cash," said Rouse.

The bill would also require specific documentation from the seller of copper.  Bill sponsor Sen. Warren Daniel of Burke and Caldwell County said there are also other requirements of those who purchase scrap copper.

"Now, they'll have to either take a video tape or a still photo of the person who is selling the non ferrous metal with the materials.  They'll have to get the make, model, color and license tag of the vehicle.  They have to get a zerox copy of the person's ID and these records are going to have to be maintained for two years," said Daniel.

One rural electric utility estimated they had $150,000 worth of damage from stolen copper.  This amount of copper sold as scrap would only net about $3,000-$5,000 from a scrap metal dealer.