At a recent competition, 15 Duke Energy Florida lineworkers secured spots to compete at the International Lineman’s Rodeo, showcasing their talents among the world’s top lineworkers. Barry Anderson, Duke Energy Florida senior vice president of customer delivery, emphasized the importance of these competitions in maintaining safety and service standards for customers.
“I got into line work just because of my love of the outdoors, helping people and turning the lights on,” said Eric Polous, a Duke Energy Florida lineworker. Polous expressed excitement about the upcoming international event in Kansas after his team’s success at the regional rodeo.
The competition included various categories such as equipment repair, pole climbs, and hurt man rescues, testing the lineworkers’ skills and agility. Ivan White, a Duke Energy Florida lineworker, expressed his gratitude for being able to compete in front of his family and community, highlighting the rewarding nature of the event.
The Florida Lineman’s Rodeo was supported by volunteers and vendors from the Duke Energy community, with a record-breaking number of vendors participating. Zachary Bichard, another Duke Energy Florida lineworker, described the event as a great opportunity to showcase their trade and connect with colleagues.
Lineworkers play a crucial role in power grid improvement projects, contributing to the modernization and resilience of Duke Energy’s system. The company continues to hire and develop talented lineworkers, collaborating with community colleges to recruit diverse candidates interested in pursuing a career in this field.
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, serves millions of customers across a vast service area in Florida, emphasizing its commitment to clean energy transition and sustainability goals. The company’s efforts towards net-zero carbon emissions and investment in renewable energy technologies align with its mission to provide reliable and environmentally conscious energy solutions.
