There are no cowboys in sight at a special rodeo taking place in Alpine today. Instead the stars of this rodeo are electric linemen and natural gas utility workers who compete against each other to be the fastest, safest and most efficient in various tasks.

Contestants in the Gas and Electric rodeo include teams from SDG&E, Southern California Edison, Arizona Public Service, Pacific Gas & Electric, and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

The rodeo has been a local tradition since 1990. We co-host the rodeo with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 465.

Competition Brings Out the Best

Linemen and apprentices will compete in pole climb and hurt man rescue competitions while natural gas workers will go head-to-head in events, such as “hand dig,” “meter build,” and “pipe cut.” Competitors are judged on how safety they demonstrate each task, which additional scoring on skill, workmanship, professionalism and efficiency.

The winners will advance to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas City this fall.