A lineman learns how to maintain power lines while they are energized.MEDIA RELEASE: July 11, 2017

North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives
P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554
Krista Rausch, Communications Specialist, NDAREC
krausch@ndarec.com or 701-667-6411

NDAREC Holds Annual Hotline School

Mandan, N.D. — The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) will welcome nearly 80 line workers and apprentice line workers to Hotline School during the week of July 10 to 14. Held at the Bismarck State College line worker program facility in Mandan, the annual field training teaches line workers how to safely work on energized lines through hands-on instruction and demonstrations from experienced line workers.

Line workers often repair high voltage lines that are surging with electrical current, making proper procedure imperative for their safety. Hotline School provides an opportunity to learn how to work the system “hot,” without being exposed to energized lines. This training prepares line workers for situations when de-energizing the lines is not possible and helps keep power flowing during storms or scheduled maintenance, when possible.

NDAREC is the statewide trade association for 16 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives operating in North Dakota. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to nearly 250,000 North Dakotans via 196,000 meters. NDAREC services include legislative advocacy, line worker safety training and professional development services, cooperative business development, and communication services including publication of the North Dakota Living magazine.