UI Hosts Lineman’s Rodeo, Showcasing Company’s Commitment to Training and Safety
15 UI journeymen and three apprentices compete against each other in line working events (b/roll)
UI line workers competing in events with friends and family in attendance
ORANGE, Conn. — September 3, 2026 – United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc., in partnership with the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 470-1, hosted a Lineman’s Rodeo on Saturday, August 29th where 15 journeymen, split into five teams, competed in various events of traditional lineman tasks. There were three apprentices that also competed as individuals. Saturday’s event determined which teams and individuals will qualify to compete in Overland Park, Kansas for the 42nd annual International Lineman’s Rodeo.
“Our line workers bring extraordinary skill, discipline, and pride to their craft, and the rodeo showcased exactly that,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of UI. “It is critical for our crews to regularly practice real-world scenarios that prioritize keeping themselves and their teammates safe. We’re honored to have teams representing UI at the International Lineman’s Rodeo, demonstrating the skill and dedication that define our organization.”
The Lineman’s Rodeo hosted by UI on Saturday featured events such as pole climbing, hurt man rescue, and two mystery events. Team events required strong collaboration and teamwork to solve problems, such as repairing or replacing equipment, as quickly as possible. Each event was judged by several members of the UI line department and the UWUA Local 470-1. Judges graded the teams on safety and proficiency, aiming to provide opportunities to sharpen the line workers’ abilities and productivity. Events took place in a simulated and controlled environment, with participants scored based on their performance in various tasks. Competitors are judged on efficiency, agility, technique, and adherence to safety procedures.
“It is an honor to provide an opportunity to our line workers to show off the impressive technical skills and speed that we use every day to get the job done,” said William Coleman, Chief Line Group Leader at UI. “I have had the privilege to represent UI and the UWUA Local 470-1 at the International Linemen Rodeo for over 20 years, and this tradition speaks to our commitment to ongoing training and excellence. Our crews set a high bar, and we look forward to watching them compete among the best in the world in Kansas.”
UI and UWUA Local 470-1 have been participating in the International Rodeo for over 20 years. This year, UI plans to send qualifying journeymen and apprentices to Kansas in October to compete in the 42nd annual event. The event attracts hundreds of journeymen teams and apprentices from all over the world to compete in tasks designed to test speed, agility, strength, and precision, with an emphasis on safety.
About UI: The United Illuminating Company (UI) is a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. Established in 1899, UI operates approximately 3,600 miles of electric distribution lines and 138 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 341,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. UI received the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Recovery Award in 2019 and 2021. For more information, visit www.uinet.com.
About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. is a leading U.S. energy company investing in grid infrastructure and power generation projects to deliver reliable energy and meet growing electricity demand. With approximately $50 billion in assets and operations across 25 states, Avangrid is helping modernize the U.S. electric grid, improve system resiliency, and support economic growth for the customers and communities it serves.
Avangrid owns and operates seven electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.4 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid also has nearly 100 energy generation facilities across the United States and more than 11 gigawatts of installed capacity. Avangrid has more than 8,300 employees and was named among the World's Most Ethical Companies in 2026 for the eighth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Avangrid is a member of the Iberdrola Group. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.