S.C. electric cooperative linemen to put their skills to the test
FLORENCE, S.C. – The first S.C. Lineman’s Rodeo will take place March 15-16, 2019, at the Pee Dee Touchstone Energy Commerce City Park in Florence. Electric cooperative linemen from across South Carolina will demonstrate their trade skills in a fun, friendly and competitive atmosphere. Competitions for both new and veteran lineworkers will include a “Hurtman Rescue” where climbers must scale a 40’ pole to rescue a simulated injured worker.
“Our mission with the rodeo is to inspire a culture of safety with a focus on training,” said Nick Adams, senior safety and training instructor with The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. “Winning competitors will also earn bragging rights among their peers.”
In addition to the competitions, the event will provide a close-up opportunity for high school students and recent graduates to explore careers as lineworkers for electric system construction and maintenance. The well-paying jobs attract people looking for stable careers in an industry that is vital to community and state growth. Small-group orientations will be available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and reservations are required. Call 803-739-3070 or visit www.ecsc.org/signup for more information.
A children’s area will offer youngsters a chance to learn about electricity in a safe and fun environment. Activities include an electrical safety demonstration, human-powered electricity station, hands-on crafts and a bounce house.
The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives hot air balloon will offer tethered rides Friday evening and Saturday morning (weather-permitting).
All events are open to the public and will take place at the Pee Dee Touchstone Energy Commerce City Park at the intersection of Interstate 95 and S.C. Hwy 327 in Florence.
Friday, March 15
- 12:45 p.m. – Written test. Apprentice linemen (those with less than 5 years experience) will test their electric safety knowledge.
- 5:30 p.m. – The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives hot air balloon offers tethered rides
Saturday, March 16
- 8:00 a.m. – Opening ceremony and flag raising
- 8:30 a.m. – Children’s area opens
- 8:30 a.m. – Competitions begin
- 10:15 a.m. – Live-line safety demonstration by Pike
- 1:15 p.m. – Live-line safety demonstration by Pike
- Competitions will run concurrently until early afternoon (awards ceremony follows end of all
competitions).
South Carolina’s electric cooperatives would like to thank the following businesses for their generous sponsorship of the S.C. Lineman’s Rodeo:
- Lee Electrical Construction, Inc.
- Sumter Utlities, Inc.
- Pike Electric, LLC
- Cooperative Electric Energy Utility Supply, Inc. (CEE-US)
The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. is the state association of independent, member-owned electric cooperatives. More than 1.5 million South Carolinians in all 46 counties use power provided by S.C. electric cooperatives. Together, the co-ops operate the state’s largest electric power system with 75,000 miles of power lines across 56 percent of the state. Find more information at www.ecsc.org.