Lineworkers showcase unique skills at international competition
ST. LOUIS (Oct. 16, 2024) – Ameren lineworkers, apprentices and judges will travel to the 40th annual International Lineman's Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas, later this week. The event, often coined as the "Lineman Olympics,” will take place on Oct. 19 and offers lineworkers from around the world the opportunity to compete in events based on the common tasks performed by journeymen lineworkers and apprentices.
Ameren Illinois is sending 12 linemen, four apprentices and six judges and committee members to the rodeo, while Ameren Missouri is sending 12 linemen, four apprentices and 16 judges and committee members. The rodeo also provides co-workers' families the opportunity to see firsthand the skills that make these men and women vital to our everyday lives.
“The Lineman’s Rodeo is kind of like the Olympics for linemen,” said Patrick Smith, senior vice president of operations and technical services for Ameren Illinois. “It’s all about competing to the best of their abilities in a safe manner. It also gives family members an up-close look at what it takes to do this type of work on an everyday basis.”
Teams will compete in the Hurtman Rescue event, Pole Climb contest and two mystery events. Competitors will be evaluated on speed and safety standards among other criteria. Apprentices will compete in the same events in addition to a written test.
“Lineworkers and apprentices take great pride in their profession,” said Ryan Arnold, vice president of energy delivery for Ameren Missouri. “They work every day to provide safe and reliable power to our electric customers. This event gives them the opportunity to represent Ameren and their local communities as they compete in real-life scenarios against some of the best in the world.”
Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri co-workers recently returned from assisting with restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and stood ready to assist with Hurricane Milton if called upon.
About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution service, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.
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