Duke Energy Shines at International Lineman's Rodeo with Nine Awards

Duke Energy showcased its exceptional skills and dedication last weekend at the renowned International Lineman's Rodeo held in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Competing amongst approximately 1,200 skilled lineworkers from around the globe, Duke Energy teams brought home a remarkable nine awards, highlighting their commitment to safety and excellence in the energy sector.

Among the notable achievements, the team of Tyler Nickols, Joshua Buckner, and Tyler Manick earned third place in the overall journeyman category. Additionally, the duo of Keith Griffin, Jay Tipton, and Sandy Barnhill triumphed in the journeyman seniors division, claiming the top position. These achievements underline the outstanding performance of Duke Energy’s skilled workforce, which demonstrated not only technical aptitude but also a strong adherence to safety standards.

The International Lineman's Rodeo, which has been an esteemed event for over four decades, was designed to emulate the real-life challenges faced by lineworkers in their day-to-day operations. Competitors were evaluated on their speed, agility, technique, and adherence to safety procedures, emphasizing the vital role lineworkers play in ensuring the integrity of the electric grid.

This year’s event saw a staggering field of 1,200 competitors from diverse regions, including 78 representatives from Duke Energy. These individuals had previously secured their spots by excelling at regional Duke Energy Lineman’s Rodeo events earlier in the year, showcasing a compilation of skills honed through rigorous preparation and training.

Why is This Important?

The role of lineworkers is indispensable in maintaining the safety and reliability of electric services. They are tasked with delivering consistent power throughout the year, responding swiftly during storms or significant weather disruptions, and implementing crucial projects that enhance service reliability. Furthermore, they are at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies on the grid, such as smart systems that can detect outages and rapidly restore power.

Duke Energy continues to focus on grid enhancements and preparing its infrastructure for future growth. To achieve these goals, the company is heavily investing in its workforce to ensure quick response times during outages and to meet the rising energy demands of its customers.

Awards Breakdown

- Journeyman Mystery Event #1

Fourth place: Jordan Henderson, Heath Burrell, Miles Bell

- Journeyman Mystery Event #2

Fourth place: William Gandy, Zachary Haithcock, Joshua Haithcock

- Journeyman IOU (Investor-Owned Utility)

First place: Tyler Nickols, Joshua Buckner, Tyler Manick
Second place: Jordan Henderson, Heath Burrell, Miles Bell
Fourth place: William Gandy, Zachary Haithcock, Joshua Haithcock

- Journeyman Seniors

First place: Keith Griffin, Jay Tipton, Sandy Barnhill
Fourth place: Matthew Clark, Danny Haithcock, Hunter Boone

- Journeyman Overall

Third place: Tyler Nickols, Joshua Buckner, Tyler Manick
Fourth place: Jordan Henderson, Heath Burrell, Miles Bell

Voices from the Competition

Scott Batson, Duke Energy's Executive Vice President and Chief Power Grid Officer, expressed pride in the commitment displayed by the teams. He praised their dedication, noting that competing at such esteemed events requires substantial effort and exemplifies their priority in ensuring safety and reliability for customers.

Similarly, Joshua Buckner, a journeyman lineworker from Marion, N.C., shared insights on the significance of participating in the rodeo. He highlighted that this event goes beyond mere competition; it symbolizes pride in their craft and respect for their peers. Buckner emphasized how such experiences allow them to demonstrate their skills, precision, and teamwork, underscoring the importance of readiness in responding to outages and storms.

Duke Energy, one of America’s largest energy holding companies and a Fortune 150 entity headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves 8.6 million customers across multiple states, including North Carolina and Florida. As it embarks on a significant energy transition, the company is prioritizing customer reliability and investing in advanced electric grid upgrades, cleaner energy generation, and innovation for a sustainable future.

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