Apprentice electric utility linemen from Nevada and California will showcase their skills during NV Energy’s Second Annual Lineman’s Rodeo in Reno on June 7. Throughout the day, they will compete in timed events based on what they do routinely to keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses.

Along with NV Energy linemen, the free event will feature competitors from California electric utilities, including Pacific Gas and Electric, the Sacramento Public Utility District, the City of Modesto and the Turlock Irrigation District.

 “This family-focused event brings our co-workers and families together to experience firsthand what we do,” said NV Energy Lineman Samson Wilson.  “Being a lineman is about having pride in our work and the rodeo competition allows apprentices to display their skills in an exciting way.”

Among the competitive events will be a Hurt Man Rescue when contestants ascend power poles to “rescue” a 185-pound dummy used to simulate an injured lineman.

Linemen will also conduct demonstrations every half hour until noon to show what happens when tree limbs, Mylar balloons and other objects come in contact with live power lines, and the company’s safety, renewable energy, transportation and natural gas operations departments will have displays at the rodeo.  Kids attending the event can ride in a bucket truck, and attendees can purchase a barbecue lunch and souvenir t-shirts.

The rodeo is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, at NV Energy’s Training Yard located at 1 Ohm Place in Reno. (Ohm Place is located off Mill Street between Rock Boulevard and Edison Way.)

Sponsored by the companies that supply tools and equipment to the electric utility industry, all proceeds will go to the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra. The rodeo raised $12,000 for the United Way in 2013.

The sponsors will have displays at the event and NV Energy representatives will be on hand to discuss the company’s apprenticeship programs and employment opportunities.

For more rodeo details, call Jim Lyle at 775-834-7557 or Samson Wilson at 775-636-5401.