Duke Energy teams earned nine awards at the International Lineman’s Rodeo held on October 18 in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The event drew about 1,200 competitors from around the world, including 78 Duke Energy employees who had previously won at regional company events.
Among the recognitions, Tyler Nickols, Joshua Buckner, and Tyler Manick secured third place in the overall journeyman category. Keith Griffin, Jay Tipton, and Sandy Barnhill took first place in the journeyman seniors division.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo is an annual competition that has taken place for over 40 years. It tests participants in job-related events that simulate tasks lineworkers perform to maintain service and restore power. Judging criteria include speed, agility, technique, and safety.
Lineworkers play a key role in maintaining reliable electric service and responding to outages after storms or extreme weather. They also help install new technologies such as smart systems that can detect outages and reroute power quickly.
Duke Energy continues to invest in grid improvements and workforce training to support community growth and respond more effectively to outages. The company serves millions of electric and natural gas customers across several states and is focused on upgrading its electric grid and expanding cleaner energy sources.
Scott Batson, executive vice president and chief power grid officer for Duke Energy, said: “Our teammates’ commitment to excellence for our customers is evident in the work they have voluntarily put in to compete at the rodeo. Safely ensuring consistency and reliability each day is their priority and ours. Whether or not they walked the stage and won an award at the international event, we couldn’t be prouder of these teams’ hard work.”
Joshua Buckner, a journeyman lineworker from Marion, N.C., stated: “Participating in the International Lineman’s Rodeo means more than just competition – it represents pride in my craft, respect for my brothers and sisters in the trade, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve daily. It’s a chance to showcase the skill, precision and teamwork that define what it means to be a lineman. Placing at the International Lineman’s Rodeo is more than just a trophy; it showcases how we as a team have sharpened our skills to respond to storms and outages in a safe and efficient manner.”
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