Competitors from 7-state region to gather in Chattanooga for the first time
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 27, 2024) – This June 7-8, the 27th Annual Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo will hold its 7-state competition in Chattanooga for the first time, hosted by EPB. A unique event unlike any other held in the area, the free 2-day rodeo will feature team and individual competitions atop 45-foot-high utility poles at the Tennessee Riverpark.
“The Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo offers linemen a platform to display their skills and talents in executing real-world tasks," stated Barry Smith TVLR board president and master judge, and vice president of Engineering & Operations at Gibson Electric Membership Corporation. “Although the competition is timed, the emphasis is on safety, precision in following instructions, and the quality of their work.”
Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo Info to Know
The Next Generation
The rodeo also offers learning opportunities for all ages to learn about lineman work and future career opportunities. On Friday, June 7, at 2 p.m. and Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m., EPB will offer “What it’s like to be a lineman” interactive sessions to provide up-close views of electric heavy machinery and address questions about entering the lineman field.
“The Energy sector offers meaningful jobs with excellent wages and opportunities for advancement, including line crew positions,” said EPB CEO David Wade. “Communities across the U.S. depend on energy sector workers like linemen for our access to electricity — rain or shine.”
EPB will also host a Kids Zone at the rodeo, offering fun for all members of the family. Free games, balloon animals, face painting, bounce houses and more will be available to kids of all ages throughout the Rodeo.
Support Team EPB
EPB line crews are essential to fulfilling EPB’s mission to enhance quality of life by working evenings, weekends and holidays in any weather to maintain infrastructure and make repairs during power outages.
Local EPB linemen will compete in several events at different levels, including rescue, equipment changeout, a mystery event and more. Competitions recognize skill, experience and tenure at the apprentice, team, individual and senior levels.
“EPB linemen are proud to represent Chattanooga and our entire service area of 600 square miles,” said EPB Manager of Field Services Grant Carriker. “Team EPB is excited to host our community for a day of competition and fun — and educate our customers more about what we do to restore power.”
About Lineman
More than 120,000 Americans work as linemen, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, working on power lines that carry up to 765,000 volts. (By comparison, the typical household outlet is only 120 volts.)
Although Rodeo participants will compete on 45-foot poles, linemen regularly climb wood poles 100 feet or more above the ground. Linework, which Forbes ranks as the nation’s 10th most dangerous job, requires 8,000 hours of specialized training to become an apprentice to handle the demands of working in challenging weather, like snow, wind, rain and extreme temperatures.
EPB thanks Team EPB sponsors:
EPB also appreciates Kids Zone sponsors:
The Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo is supported by Gold Sponsors Altec, Border States, Burns & McDonnell, Distributors Insurance, Hubbell, IBEW Local 175, North American Lineman Training Center, Sherman+Reilly, Tennessee Job Training & Safety (JTS), TECA, Tempest Storm Rentals, Terex, TMEPA, TVA, TVPPA and Volunteer Power.
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About EPB
EPB is a customer-focused technology company that delivers innovative power and telecommunications solutions to the Chattanooga area in pursuit of its mission to enhance the quality of life for the community it serves. In 2010, EPB completed a 100% fiber optic network accessible to all its customers as the basis for launching America’s first community-wide Gig speed internet. The company still operates the world’s fastest community-wide internet service today at speeds up to 25 Gig. EPB also utilizes Chattanooga’s fiber optic network as the communications backbone for the most advanced and highly automated power distribution system in the United States. In 2022, EPB continued its commitment to keeping Chattanooga on the cutting edge by establishing our nation’s first commercially available quantum network — EPB Quantum Network℠ powered by Qubitekk. This effort aligns local job creation efforts with the national priority to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technology.
Since switching the lights on for its first electric customer in 1939, EPB has grown to serve nearly a half a million people across a 600-square-mile service area with cutting-edge infrastructure that integrates power distribution and telecommunications. At the same time, EPB keeps customer benefit at the center of all its efforts, earning recognition from J.D. Power as the #1 Mid-Sized Utility in the South for the last eight consecutive years based on customer satisfaction ratings. Learn more at epb.com.
About the Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo
The Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo celebrates excellence in safety, skill, and knowledge in the field through competitive events for apprentices, journeyman teams of three, individual linemen, and senior individuals (age 45 and up). Held in various locations across the Tennessee Valley, the Rodeo offers line workers the chance to showcase their talents while allowing family and friends to show their support. This event fosters pride in the trade and a sense of kinship among participants, spectators, and sponsors, making it a highly anticipated occasion each year.
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