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Statewide electric linemen to compete in lineman's rodeo
PRNewswire
NYSE: SO
ATLANTA - April 28, 2008 - Approximately 200 electric linemen throughout Georgia will display their unique skills during the 14th annual Georgia Lineman's Rodeo, scheduled May 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry. During the day-long competition, the linemen will showcase the skills they rely on to restore electricity under grueling conditions-stifling heat, freezing cold, torrential rain and high wind. "These workers are dedicated to their profession," said Jim Wright, Georgia Electric Membership Corp. vice president of training, education and safety. "It's physically demanding work that most people can not do, would not do, but once it gets in your blood, it stays with you." In a profession where a mistake can mean a critical injury or death, skill, safety and speed are crucial. During the annual event, linemen will compete in the following categories: 12 KV Post Insulator Change, Three-phase Insulator Change, Four KV Cut-out Installation & Jumper Removal and a simulated rescue of an injured coworker, from a 40-ft. high power pole, while racing against the clock and following safety rules. "Many of the guys view their vocation as a public service," notes Jimmy Norman, light superintendent with the Albany Water, Gas & Light Commission and rodeo chair. "These linemen are very serious about keeping the lights on for millions of Georgians and neighboring states that need our help." On May 3, linemen will compete as journeymen teams (the highest qualified individuals), apprentices (those in the first four years of linemen training) and seniors (those aged 45 and older) in one of three divisions: electric membership corporations (EMCs), investor-owned utilities and electric cities of Georgia. First, second and third place team and individual awards will be presented to journeymen, apprentices and seniors in each division for best overall score, best team and best event awards. The competition is open to the public. Families should bring lawn chairs and see for themselves the skill and expertise required of linemen who perform these complex tasks. Electric utilities are also hoping the Lineman's Rodeo will leave a lasting impression on the public, possibly prompting someone to join the ranks of electric linemen. According to Ken Rose, Georgia Power training specialist, one of the biggest challenges for power companies is employing a well-trained and skilled electric line crew. "We hope that people come to the event, get caught up in the excitement and consider a career as an electric lineman. It's an honorable way to make a living and a great way to provide for your family," he said. To address the shortage of line workers, power companies are partnering with high schools and technical colleges to provide the Electrical Line Worker Apprentice Certificate (ELAC). The ELAC will prepare qualified individuals for immediate employment with local utility companies. Typical salaries for an apprentice range from $12 to $17 an hour, while a journeyman salary can reach $25 an hour. The Georgia Lineman's Rodeo Association is a partnership of the Electric Cities of Georgia, Georgia Electric Membership Corp. and Georgia Power. Its purpose is to conduct an annual Georgia Lineman's Rodeo and focus on electric safety, training and safe work practices. The Electric Cities of Georgia is a trade organization that represents 52 municipal electric systems in Georgia that in turn bring energy to approximately 600,000 citizens. As the third largest power supplier in the state, energy sales exceeded $644 million in 2004. Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state's 42 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp. and Georgia Transmission Corp. Through this statewide network, the 42 EMCs provide electricity and related services to four million people, half of Georgia's population, across 73 percent of the state's land area. Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.3 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Sponsors of the 2008 Georgia Lineman's Rodeo include Ace Pole Company, Aircraft Dynamics, Alexander Publication, Altec, American Safety Utility Corp., Applied Professional Training, Cembre Inc., CESI dba Fiberoptic Tools & Supplies, Coffing Hoists & Little Mule, Cooper Power Systems, C.S. Phillips Co., Equity, GEORGIA Magazine, GEMC Federal Credit Union, Georgia Power Federal Credit Union, GRESCO, GEMC Foreman and Supervisors' Assoc., Georgia Transmission Corp., Greenlee/Hastings (Southcon), HD Supply, Hubbell Power Systems, J. Harlen Co., Langdale Forest Products Co., Lineman Barn, Koehn Enterprises, MEAG Power, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Plastic Techniques, Pike Electric, PowerTel Utility Products, Reliable Equipment & Service Co., Riverside Manufacturing, Solomon Corp., Tracy Hall & Assoc., Tri-State Utility Products, Utility Specialist/HD Electric Co., and Whitehead & Associates. For more information on the 2008 Georgia Lineman's Rodeo, visit http://www.garodeo.com/. For directions to the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, visit http://www.gnfa.com/. SOURCE: Georgia Lineman's Rodeo Association CONTACT: Terri Statham, Georgia Electric Membership Corp., Web site: http://www.garodeo.com/ |