Contractor Stories

Lessons from an Arc Flash Survivor: The Cost of One Mistake

Warning: This article contains descriptions and images that may be graphic or disturbing to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.Let’s start with some numbers. A 1.2...

Dirt Perfect Success: Mike Simon's Tips to Starting and Building a Successful Business

Michael “Mike” Simon says there’s no secret to starting and building a successful business; he’s done it three times. Two of those businesses were partnerships. One was building...

A Career on the Line: Kentucky-Native Shares His 13-Year Journey as a Lineman

At just 32 years old, Matt Edwards is already a 13-year veteran of the electric utility industry. Quickly establishing an exciting and rewarding career is exactly what inspired...

The Power of Fiber Optics: Chattanooga’s Blueprint for Municipal Broadband Growth

The number of municipal broadband networks in the U.S. is growing fast (450 as of January 2024), with 47 new networks coming online since 2021. For many municipalities, the...

When Natural Disasters Strike, Utility Workers Respond

A strong arctic front moved across Western Washington and Oregon on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13, 2024, dropping temperatures below freezing. Freezing rain then impacted areas along the...

Utility Workers Bring Hope in the Aftermath of Natural Disasters

When disasters strike, utility workers work tirelessly to protect and restore essential services. By bringing power, water and gas back to communities, they offer hope to those...

Mental Health Strategies for Utility Workers

There's no doubt that utility workers who are exposed to traumatic incidents on the job, such as natural disasters, storm damage or accidents can be impacted mentally...

The Impact of Stress on a Utility Worker, and How to Manage the Stress

The utility industry has unique stressors, but utility workers are also subject to common, everyday workplace stress. Methods of coping with that stress can also be common and...

Aaron LeBlanc: Lineman, YouTube Star, and First-Time Attendee at The Utility Expo

Aaron LeBlanc has been a lineman in Atlantic Canada since 2000. He’s done well in that position but what sets LeBlanc apart from other linemen is his presence on social media...