KUA Linemen Rank 7th in Nation; Best in Florida

Kissimmee Utility Authority crews brought home the nation's seventh best ranking from the American Public Power Association's 2004 Lineworkers' Rodeo. In addition, they scored highest among Florida utilities.

KISSIMMEE, FL (PRWEB) March 10, 2004 -- Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) crews brought home the nation's seventh best ranking from the American Public Power Association's 2004 Lineworkers' Rodeo. In addition, they scored highest among Florida utilities.
    
Fifty teams from throughout the United States gathered in San Antonio, Texas on March 6 to recognize the profession of line work as well as demonstrate the safety, skill and education of electric linemen. The rodeo itself consisted of five timed events, including 100 amp cutout replacement, 600 amp switch replacement, cross arm change out, hurtman rescue and insulator change out.
    
KUA's team earned a perfect score of 500 out of 500 possible points.
    
"Crew speed translates into quicker restoration of power for our customers in a real life situation," said KUA president & general manager Jim Welsh. "We're proud to be Florida's best in 2004."
    
Aaron Haderle, Logan Murphy and Joe Watson made up KUA's journeyman team, with Bruce Thompson serving as alternate.
    
KUA crews will compete in the annual Florida Lineman's Competition on March 20 in Ocala. The event is free and open to the public. Details can be found online at http://www.publicpower.com/flc/
    
Founded in 1901, KUA is Florida's sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric, water, and telecommunication services to 170,000 residents in five Central Florida counties.
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