3rd Annual Coastal Bend Lineman Rodeo

Nueces Electric Cooperative

ROBSTOWN (News Release) - On April 14, 2023, Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) hosted the 3rd Annual Coastal Bend Lineman Rodeo at the Robstown Headquarters’ Bill Hartman Lineman Training Field. The rodeo is an opportunity for coastal bend cooperatives to practice Cooperative Principles 5 and 6: Education, Training, and Information and Cooperation among Cooperatives.

NEC Apprentice 1 B. Lopez and NEC Apprentice 2 M. Gutierrez work together to complete the Transformer Arrestor Change Out Event.

NEC Crew Lead Journey Lineman R. Castillo completes the Journeyman Speed Climb Event.

NEC Journey Lineman M. Pina works to completes the Journeyman Cross Arm Change Out.

3rd Annual Coastal Bend Lineman Rodeo Winners – represented co-ops include Nueces Electric Cooperative, Karnes Electric Cooperative, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, San Patricio Electric Cooperative, Medina Electric Cooperative

“Today we gather in the cooperative spirit with our sister cooperatives to provide essential skills training, and some friendly competition for our linemen. Many of the skills required in the competition today are less frequently used in the day-to-day work but remain critical line skills,” said CEO Varzavand “Avan” Irani.

While these events were timed categories, the participants were scored on their overall technique and the proper following of safety procedures. Events included the Transformer Arrestor Change Out, Cross Arm Change Out, Hurt Man Rescue and Speed Climbing.

Training events like this allow linemen to continually master skills, such as climbing, working off a pole, and work tasks using hot sticks rather than gloves. These are all techniques heavily relied on when line workers face obstacles in the field that may prevent the use of a bucket truck.

Forty-Five participants from seven cooperatives benefited from this training event. Participating cooperatives included: Nueces Electric Cooperative, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, Jackson Electric Cooperative, Medina Electric Cooperative, Karnes Electric Cooperative, Victoria Electric Cooperative and San Patricio Electric Cooperative.