EnergySolutions : N.H. Teams Earn Top Honors at Eversource Lineworker’s Rodeo

MANCHESTER, N.H. (June 7, 2017)- A local team of Eversource lineworkers finished first overall at the company's Annual Regional Lineworker's Rodeo Competition in Tolland, CT. Lineworker Anthony Franchini of Derry, Working Foreman Chris D'Amico of Manchester, and Troubleshooter Andew Greco of Newport beat 12 other teams to earn the top position, with a total score of 298 and a combined time for all events of 38:20. Also finishing in the top three overall were two other New Hampshire teams that include Working Foremen Dan Wilkins of Henniker, Bill Monty of Alstead, and Jason Miller of Gilsum; and Supervisor of Electric Operations Bill Sullivan of Manchester, Working Foreman Jeff Sullivan of Manchester, and Chief Line Mechanic Donny Lamarr of CT.

The annual Lineworker's Rodeo challenges competitors' skills in a variety of events, including speed climb, rescue, and a mystery event. In the speed climb, a lineworker must race up the pole carrying an egg in a basket held between their teeth, and then must carry the egg in their mouth safely back down the pole.

Experienced journeymen from throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut competed in teams of three, while apprentices competed individually at the rodeo. In addition to racing against the clock, competitors are scored on how precisely they are able to complete the challenges. Points are deducted for any mistakes, such as cracking an egg during the speed climb.

"The team that finished in second place was faster than us, but they lost two points when an egg cracked in a team member's mouth," said Franchini, who competed as a journeyman for the first time at the June 3 competition. "You just have to take your time and make sure you don't drop anything. That's the way to win."

In addition to honing important skills for the job, the rodeo fosters a sense of comradery among participants. Doug Frazier, Eversource manager of regional operations for NH and a member of the Eversource Rodeo Steering Committee, said the purpose of the rodeo is "to strengthen the relationships among lineworkers across the enterprise, and across regional lines."

"When a major storm strikes, our crews go wherever they are needed most," Frazier said. "They're building relationships and communication skills while training for and competing in the rodeo that help them work together throughout the region."

Franchini, who is a new employee to Eversource, said that was the main reason he signed up to compete.

"I wanted to meet more people. During all the training leading up to competition and at the event, I really got to know other lineworkers not only here in New Hampshire, but also in Connecticut and Massachusetts," he said. "It does make the job easier when you have established friendships with the people you're working alongside."

Eversource (NYSE: ES) is New Hampshire's largest electric utility, serving more than 500,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns and is proud to be recognized as the top contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Recognized as the top U.S. utility for its energy efficiency programs by the sustainability advocacy organization Ceres, Eversource harnesses the commitment of its approximately 8,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and superior customer service. For more information, please visit our website (www.eversource.com) and follow us on Twitter (@eversourceNH) and Facebook (facebook.com/EversourceNH).

CONTACT:
Martin Murray
603-634-2228
martin.murray@eversource.com

Kaitlyn Woods
603-634-2418
kaitlyn.woods@eversource.com