KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 1, 2018 – Kissimmee Utility Authority linemen brought home perfect scores and nine national trophies from Saturday’s 2018 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo in Raleigh, North Carolina, hosted by the American Public Power Association.
Sixty-six teams and 145 apprentices from utilities across the U.S. gathered to demonstrate their skill and knowledge in the craft of linework. The rodeo-style competition consisted of five competitive events.
KUA’s journeyman team was made up of Austin Franey, Shane Paras and Billy White, with Dave Wolfe serving as alternate. Lars Akkerman, Austin Gunther and Danny Kelly competed as individuals in the apprentice competition.
Trophies were awarded to KUA linemen in the following event categories:
Journeyman Team
3rd place – 4kV Jumper Replacement
3rd place – 4kV Crossarm Change Out
3rd place – 4kV 600 Amp Switch Replacement
2nd place – Hurtman Rescue
**3rd best team overall
Apprentice Austin Gunther
3rd place – Written Test
3rd place – Double Dead-End Bell Change Out
**3rd best apprentice overall
Apprentice Danny Kelly
1st place – Double Dead-End Bell Change Out
There are two levels of competition within the lineworker rodeo: journeyman teams and apprentices. The journeyman teams consist of three members – two climbers and a ground worker. A qualified journeyman has more than four years of experience within the electric utility trade. An apprentice lineworker competes as an individual and has four or fewer years of experience.
About APPA
The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. The Association advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training and operations.
Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility powering 74,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla.