June 13, 2001 News Media Release

Employees to test skills for Lineman's Rodeo

The weather is stormy and there are spot outages across Austin. A lineman sent to a power outage must be able to identify and get to a problem through possible wind, rain and lightning. This requires technical and physical skills that include the ability to climb, operate out of a bucket truck, maneuver equipment, coordinate properly with the Austin Energy Control Center to ensure electrical lines can be worked on safely -- and get power restored as quickly as possible because other customers are waiting.

More than two dozen Austin Energy linemen will test these skills and knowledge to determine who will represent Austin Energy in upcoming electric industry statewide competition called a Lineman's Rodeo. The Austin Energy competition will occur from 7:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 14, at the Kramer Lane Service Center, 2526 Kramer Lane, behind Building E.

In addition to pole climbing, rescue of a hurt lineman and knot tying, competition will also include "mystery events"" to test the linemen's ability to act spontaneously and make correct decisions to an emergency, such as electrical equipment being hit by lightning.

Six teams of three linemen each and eight apprentices will compete. Top performers will represent Austin Energy at the Texas Lineman's Rodeo on July 14 in Seguin. Last year, Austin Energy teams placed first and second overall in the municipal utility division, while two apprentices finished second and third. Austin Energy also competes in the International Lineman's Rodeo to be held this year September 6-8 in Kansas City.

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For more information, contact Ed Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000