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 Duke Energy lineworkers who had previously qualified through regional competitions.
The team of Tyler Nickols, Joshua Buckner, and Tyler Manick earned third place overall in the journeyman category. Keith Griffin, Jay Tipton, and Sandy Barnhill won first place in the journeyman seniors division. Other Duke Energy teams placed in several events, including fourth place finishes in two mystery events and multiple top spots in the investor-owned utility (IOU) division.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo is an annual competition that has been running for over 40 years. It tests participants on tasks that reflect their daily responsibilities—such as maintaining electric service and restoring power—while evaluating speed, agility, technique, and safety.
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 of Marion, N.C., a journeyman lineworker with Duke Energy, stated: “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 serves approximately 8.6 million electric customers across six states and owns 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. The company is working on major upgrades to its electric grid and expanding cleaner generation options as part of its energy transition strategy.
Further information about Duke Energy can be found at duke-energy.com and on its social media channels.
