There’s a new team competing at the International Lineman’s Rodeo this weekend in Kansas, but many of the faces will be familiar.

AVANGRID makes its debut at the Rodeo and among the team members will be line workers from UI who have competed in past years. Supervisors from RG&E, NYSEG and CMP will be there, participating as judges and observing the competition.

Also, members of AVANGRID’s line workers’ Skilled Safety Panel will participate in a Rodeo safety meeting and observe the events. The Corporate Brand and Image department created a new look for the support trailer, which will be taken to Kansas.

“I expect it to be a very exciting event and our team will represent us well,” said Tom Depeter, senior director, Electric Operations for Maine/Connecticut. Mike Craven, senior director, Electric Operations in New York will accompany Depeter.

The Lineman’s Rodeo attracts the best line workers from around the world to compete in events based on traditional line worker tasks and skills. The competition is divided into Journeyman and Apprentice divisions and features events like the pole climb, mystery events, and hurt-man rescue.

The first Lineman’s Rodeo was held in September 1984, with 12 teams. The Rodeo has grown to more than 200 Journeyman teams and 300 Apprentices teams.