Duke Energy line workers put their skills to the test at annual rodeo

Hundreds of Duke Energy line workers from North and South Carolina gathered in Wake County for the annual Carolina Lineman's Rodeo in New Hill.

This event wasn't just about competition but a chance to showcase the essential skills that keep communities powered.

Over 50 teams, from apprentices to experienced linemen like Tyler Manick, participated in a series of challenges.

"Oh, the rodeo's a blast," Tyler Manick, Journeyman Lineman, said. "The rodeo scratches the itch, the competitive itch."

Manik joins hundreds of others as they navigate a course designed to recreate the chaos of a storm or disaster.

The challenges test their ability to perform under pressure in the most difficult conditions.

"Every day's a challenge because every day's different," Manick said.

Duke Energy Spokesperson Jeff Brooks says the skills they transfer from this friendly competition are "real-world skills that really. "

The competition reflects the real-world demands these crews face. While speed and agility are important for restoring power quickly, safety is the ultimate priority.

The linemen are judged on their ability to find this critical balance.

"And again, the safety of our linemen is the most important thing we care about at this company," Emily Henson, Senior VP of Power Grid Operations Organization, said.

The competition offers more than just bragging rights. Winners can take their skills to the next level by competing at the International Lineman's Rodeo in Kansas City this October.

"Because you want to see how good you are against the best in the world," Manick said.

The rodeo holds a deeper meaning for Manick. In 2017, he battled cancer and was given a limited time to live.

"And they gave me six weeks to live," Manick said. "I was on long-term disability for 15 months, but the Lord healed me; I'm back at work, doing what I love to do."

Duke Energy spokesman Brooks says rapid population growth brings challenges as they serve an expanding number of customers.

He also says the public's tolerance for outages has really gone down over the years.

However, outages are coming with greater frequency due to more major storms and traffic accidents on more crowded roads.