Duke Energy teams received nine awards at the International Lineman’s Rodeo held on October 18 in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The event brought together about 1,200 competitors from around the world, including 78 from Duke Energy who had previously earned top honors at regional competitions.
Among the recognitions, Tyler Nickols, Joshua Buckner and Tyler Manick secured third place in the overall journeyman category. Keith Griffin, Jay Tipton and Sandy Barnhill won first place in the journeyman seniors division.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo has been a platform for lineworkers to demonstrate their skills in events that simulate tasks required to maintain electric service and restore power. Participants are evaluated on speed, agility, technique and safety procedures.
Scott Batson, executive vice president and chief power grid officer for Duke Energy, said: “Our teammates’ commitment to excellence for our customers is evident in the work they have voluntarily put in to compete at the rodeo. Safely ensuring consistency and reliability each day is their priority and ours. Whether or not they walked the stage and won an award at the international event, we couldn’t be prouder of these teams’ hard work.”
Joshua Buckner, a journeyman lineworker from Marion, N.C., added: “Participating in the International Lineman’s Rodeo means more than just competition – it represents pride in my craft, respect for my brothers and sisters in the trade, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve daily. It’s a chance to showcase the skill, precision and teamwork that define what it means to be a lineman. Placing at the International Lineman’s Rodeo is more than just a trophy; it showcases how we as a team have sharpened our skills to respond to storms and outages in a safe and efficient manner.”
Duke Energy continues its focus on grid improvement projects as part of efforts to meet growing demand for electricity while maintaining reliable service. The company invests in workforce training so employees can respond quickly during outages or after severe weather events.
Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky—and operates with an energy capacity of 55,100 megawatts. Its natural gas utilities reach 1.7 million customers across five states.
The company is working toward an energy transition by upgrading its electric grid infrastructure and investing in cleaner generation sources such as renewables alongside traditional resources like natural gas and nuclear energy.
More information about Duke Energy can be found on its official website (https://www.duke-energy.com/) or through its news center (https://news.duke-energy.com/).
