PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Several local Duke Energy linemen are set to move forward to the International Lineman’s Rodeo after competing in regional events.
According to a release from Duke Energy, the International Lineman’s Rodeo competition is an event that includes the world’s top linemen as competitors. The event will take place on October 19 in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo is designed to test the “job skills critical to power delivery and restoration” of linemen around the world. The release notes that the linemen interact with de-energized equipment during the competition and that there are several categories the linemen are scored in.
“Events take place on de-energized equipment in a simulated environment, but participants are scored based on simulations of on-the-job work, with deductions for mistakes,” the release stated.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo tests the safety procedures and techniques of linemen, along with their agility and efficiency. The categories they’re tested in include pole climbing, injured person rescues, and repairing equipment.
“Our lineworkers are always prepared for any circumstance, but the extreme elements associated with storms, oppressive heat, and bitterly cold temperatures can add challenges,” Scott Batson, chief power grid officer at Duke Energy said. “We are able to keep the lights on for millions of customers who depend on us thanks to our line teams’ dedication to training, experience in the field, passion for their craft, and supporting one another.”
The Midwest competition included four journeyman teams and 33 apprentices with team divisions based partially on tenure. An apprentice is a lineworker with less than four years of utility experience, whereas a journeyman with Duke Energy has more than four years of utility experience. For more than two decades, Duke Energy’s lineworkers have showcased their skills at the International Lineman’s Rodeo.
The competitors with Duke Energy Midwest that are advancing from regional rodeos to the International Lineman’s Rodeo are as follows:
- Apprentice overall awards:
- First place — Oliver Huhta | Princeton, Ind.
- Second place – Logan Pollei | Bloomington, Ind.
- Third place – Jack Knier | Shelbyville, Ind.
- Fourth place – Tyler Adrian | Carmel, Ind.
- Fifth place – Isaac Caudill | Connersville, Ind.
- Sixth place – Jesse Orr | Bloomington, Ind.
- Journeyman teams overall awards:
- First place: Brett Lewis (Madison, Ind.), TJ Lewis (Aurora, Ind.), and Danny Steinman (Erlanger, Ky.)
- Second place – Collin Boschert (Noblesville, Ind.), Matt Wallpe (Noblesville, Ind.), and Jason Washburn (Noblesville, Ind.)
- Third place – John Menefee (Columbus, Ind.), Josh Menefee (Seymour, Ind.), and Andrew Reinhart (Seymour, Ind.)
Employing around 380 lineworkers across the state, Duke Energy supports the lineworkers and the key role they play in maintaining community power grids.
