The Line Life Podcast

ICYMI: Make the Most of Mutual Assistance

When severe weather strikes, lineworkers respond as part of mutual assistance programs. For the December 2023 cover story of T&D World, "Make the Most of Mutual Assistance," ComEd shares its best practices for coordinating crews and managing resources during storm restoration and using management teams as part of a utility's restoration strategy.

This episode of ICYMI on the Line Life Podcast platform features a narrated version of this story, which was written by Timothy McThenia, who has more than 36 years of experience in the utility industry. He provides managerial oversight to the ComEd management team, which won the Edison Electric Institute Emergency Response Award for its response to Hurricane Ida in 2021. 

Part 1: LUMA's Power Grid Transformation in Puerto Rico

This Line Life Podcast episode features guest Dr. Shay Bahramirad, senior vice president of engineering, asset management and capital programs at LUMA Energy, the power company responsible for electric service in Puerto Rico.

With its multiple tens of billions of dollars of investment, rebuilding the electric grid in Puerto Rico is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country and among the most ambitious power industry projects undertaken in this century, according to LUMA.

Listen to the episode to hear how LUMA is increasing resiliency and reliability through grid modernization projects including the deployment of a modern energy management system, an advanced metering infrastructure, island-wide distribution automation and new substations and transmission lines. Also, look for Part 2 of the interview series, which will air on Feb. 16, 2024. 

ICYMI: 2023 Lineman's Rodeo Roundup

This In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode features a narrated audio version of the article, "2023 Lineman's Rodeo Roundup" from the December print issue of T&D World magazine. By listening to the episode, you can learn about some of the top winners in each division and discover more about the record-shattering event, which brings the line trade together for competition and camaraderie. 

For more Lineman's Rodeo coverage, visit www.tdworld.com/electric-utility-operations. 

Training Lineworkers in the Military: Featuring SSG Dalton Kruse

Aspiring lineworkers who want to serve their country and learn the line trade at the same time can join the U.S. Army's Prime Power program through the 249th Engineer Battallion. 

By working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army soldiers can train for future careers in line work while serving as soldiers in the military. In this podcast episode, SSG Dalton Kruse, a combat engineer for the U.S. Army, dives into the two options: Army Reserve and active duty.

To learn more, listen to the episode featuring Rustin "Nemo" Owen or read the articles, "Veterans in the Line Trade," or Military Linemen at www.tdworld.com. Also, make sure to email us with your comments on this episode and suggestions for future podcast guests to linelifepodcast@gmail.com. 

ICYMI: Line Trade Unites At 2023 Rodeo Week

New for 2024, T&D World is featuring audio stories on the second and fourth Fridays of each month and interview-style episodes on the first and third Fridays. To kick off the "In Case You Missed It" (ICYMI) series, we are featuring an article from the December 2023 field-focused Electric Utility Operations section of T&D World. This article titled, "Line Trade Unites at 2023 Rodeo Week," was narrated and written by Field Editor Amy Fischbach. Email us with your comments on this episode and suggestions for future guests to linelifepodcast@gmail.com. 

Rustin Owen’s Journey from the U.S. Army to the Line Trade and Beyond

This episode of T&D World's Line Life Podcast features Rustin Owen, a U.S. Army veteran who has worked in the power industry for 20 years. Rustin started working in the line trade in the U.S. Army's Prime Power Unit. During his time with the military, he traveled the world providing power to U.S. forces and helping in natural disasters. He was also one of the founders of the U.S. Army Power Line Distribution Course to train Army lineworkers.

Rustin competed at the International Lineman's Rodeo before serving on the sidelines for the International Lineman's Rodeo Association safety committee. He also worked as a safety professional for an IOU before moving on to his current role at Honeywell Salisbury. 

Supporting Fathers in the Line Trade: Featuring David Mendonca of the Show Up Dad Foundation

David Mendonca worked in the line trade as a lineworker for 16 years before founding the Show Up Dad Foundation. He is a husband and father of three who is helping other dads in the line trade to reignite engagement with their families. He is also the host of the Show Up Dad podcast, which has two special series: the Lineman Chronicles and Marriage on the Line, Lifeline. His show, which is available on all major platforms, releases new episodes each Monday. His podcast is also aired on a national radio show. 

2023 Lineman’s Rodeo Week, Part 2: Line Families and Climbin for Kids

Lineworkers must work in challenging conditions and in the middle of the night to keep the lights on for customers. During one special week each year, however, line families can come together to celebrate the line trade at the International Lineman's Rodeo. 

This episode shines the spotlight on line families. It features interviews with Crystal Tompkins, the wife of a Jackson EMC senior team competitor and Eddie (Frank) Hutter, the dad of David, a Duke Progress apprentice lineworker. It also features the voices of line kids including Kale Lindquist; Esteban and Isabella Byrd; Preston Draper; Kipton Koehler and Bristol Novak. 

In addition, this episode features a segment on the Climbin for Kids program, which is organized by Ameren Illinois to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Lineworker Paul Koehler, who recently lost his daughter, Guiliana, to childhood cancer, speaks out about how the program helped him and his family. He also shares how the line trade can continue to support the fundraiser to help other families. 

If you would like to donate to the Climbin for Kids fundraiser, you can email Climbinforkids@ameren.com or visit the new page on Instagram or the fundraising website.