The Line Life Podcast

Modernizing Century-Old Infrastructure in Pennsylvania

About a century ago, lineworkers erected steel lattice towers in Pennsylvania without the heavy equipment and modern tools that line crews have today. In our January 2023 Line Life podcast episode, two project team members from Duquesne Light Company (DLC) describe the process of modernizing this infrastructure with the latest technology and work methods.

The BI-Crescent project began in 2021 and is planned to be wrapped up by 2027. In the early stages of the project, Jason Hartle, former senior project manager; and Meenah Shyu, general manager of engineering, talked about Phase 1, which was completed last summer.

Today, the project has moved on to the second phase, which plans to be completed by May 2023. Line crews are currently replacing 20 structures and about four miles of transmission wire circuit length. To learn more about the project, read the story, "Lineworkers Rebuild Century-Old Infrastructure" on the T&D World Web site at https://tdworld.com/21245988.

Celebrating the 2022 International Lineman’s Rodeo Week

For the 2022 International Lineman's Rodeo, a record number of competitors and spectators traveled to Kansas City for a week of competition and camaraderie. This episode, which is sponsored by Huskie Tools, features highlights from the Safety & Training Conference, Lineman's Expo, Trade Night and the Lineman's Rodeo. It includes interviews with competitors, organizers and supporters of the 38th Lineman's Rodeo.

Part 3 of Veterans in the Line Trade: Jonathan Harmon of Power for America

The third and final part of the Veterans in the Line Trade series features an interview with Jonathan Harmon, executive director of the UWUA Power For America Training Trust Fund in Charlotte, Michigan. He describes the opportunities for military veterans in the utility industry, what makes them successful in the trades and how they can get trained for civilian careers at the training center.

Part 2 of Veterans in the Line Trade: Southeast Lineman Training Center

Part 2 of our Veterans in the Line Trade podcast episode shines the spotlight on Southeast Lineman Training Center (SLTC) in Georgia. T&D World Field Editor Amy Fischbach first talks with Jared Anders of SLTC followed by Joey Abdou, a recent Marine veteran who is now working in the line trade.

Part 1 of Veterans in the Line Trade: Duke Energy

After serving the country in the military, veterans are exploring careers in the line trade. With their dedication, perseverance and strong work ethic, they can often be successful as lineworkers, where they can continue to serve their communities by keeping the lights and power on for customers.

For our September 2022 Line Life podcast, which is sponsored by Huskie Tools, we are highlighting two employees of Duke Energy, which has won several awards for its support and employment of veterans. The company currently employs 2,000 military veterans, and this episode highlights interviews with Tyler Klemas, senior business development specialist and U.S. Marines veteran, and Troy Ross, an underground network specialist who served in the U.S. Army.

Training Future Lineworkers in California

The August 2022 Line Life podcast episode, sponsored by Huskie Tools, focuses on increasing diversity in the line trade. Edison International, in partnership with IBEW Local 47, launched a four-year, $1 million pilot scholarship program in 2021 to promote greater diversity among Southern California Edison’s lineworkers.

Scholarship recipients not only earn free tuition to Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, but through the LA-based nonprofit Brotherhood Crusade, they also receive support services. Once they complete the power line mechanic certificate program, obtain their Class A driver’s license and complete any SCE pre-employment requirements, they are eligible for a groundman entry-level position within SCE’s 50,000-sq-mi service area.

The August 2022 episode features an interview with Djon Greer, a 2021 Lineworker Scholarship winner who completed the one-year program, met the requirements and recently started a career as an SCE groundman.

Mississippi Lineman Reflects on Life in the Line Trade

Greg McGriff, a recently retired shift serviceman for Entergy Mississippi, won an award for providing exceptional service following Hurricane Ida. Listen to the June 2022 Line Life podcast episode to learn about his response to the storm, his family legacy of line work and his memories of working as a lineman and troubleman in Mississippi.

Improving Hurtman Rescue Training for Lineworkers

Maximo Fuentes, owner of Fuentes Consulting, LLC, and a former journeyman lineman and supervisor for Sacramento Municipal Utility District, helps utilities to train their field workforce. He has evaluated the hurtman rescue training at utilities, and he offers his suggestions on how companies can improve their methods and enhance the safety of their lineworkers.