|
For Immediate Release |
return
to archive |
|
News Release
Orlando Utilities Commission
April 24, 2007 |
Contact
Grant J. Heston, Communications Manager
Sheridan Becht | Erika Hodges |
OUC
LINEWORKERS WIN BEST RANKING IN NATION
Team
Captures Top Spot in Municipal Lineworkers’ Rodeo in Georgia
ORLANDO – In a competition that
measures skill, speed and safety, lineworkers from OUC-The Reliable
One bested 58 teams from across the country to take home the top prize at
the American Public Power Association’s Seventh Annual Lineworkers’ Rodeo
Competition in Marietta, Ga.
A three-man OUC team of James Alexander, Richard Boley and Chris Hosier
recorded the best overall score to win the event’s prestigious “Top
Journeyman Award.” OUC General Manger and CEO Ken Ksionek said the award is
a testament to OUC lineworkers’ ability to work safely and efficiently.
“A perfect score means that they demonstrated the highest level of skill
with a perfect safety score, all the while working against the clock,”
Ksionek said. “Our lineworkers perform physically demanding work in all
kinds of inclement weather, and this award proves their skill and dedication
are the best in the nation."
The trio also won a first place trophy in the Journeyman: Insulator Change
Out event and took third place in the Journeyman: Recloser Change Out event.
A qualified journeyman is generally the highest level of craft training in
the electric utility trade.
The rodeo is a series of competitive events demonstrating the safe work
practices lineworkers must carry out at their utilities. A team consists of two climbers and a ground person.
In addition to helping keep OUC’s electric system the most reliable in the
Southeast, these training events help hone skills that serve as the best
line of defense against preventing accidents and saving lives.
Established in 1923 by a special act of the Florida Legislature, OUC—The
Reliable One is the second largest municipal utility in Florida. OUC
provides electric and water services to more than 196,000 customers in
Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties.
The American Public Power Association is the national organization
representing the nation’s more than 2,000 community- and state-owned
utilities.
|
