Reliable, low cost, efficient power is made possible by a crew of well-trained and knowledgeable employees. Leonard Larson, Lead Line Foreman, is responsible for the daily operations of the lineman. Lenny has been with the Electric Department since May 1989 and is also a Board member of the IMEA.
Additional Line Department employees are Jay Brown - Line Foreman, Brett Wilhite - Line Foreman, Journeyman Lineman - Garrett Welker. Linemen consist of Jake Snodgrass and Ian Wilmington. First Year Apprentice Linemen are: Logan Ritter and Trevor Jones. Groundman is Trent Schroeder.
The Line Department builds and maintains all of the high voltage electric facilities within the city's electric territory. This includes both overhead and underground such as poles, wire, transformers and switches. The Line Department also maintains our Electric Utility's four substations. Two of the substations receive power from a 69,000 volt system that is reduced to 12,500 volts (12.5 kV) to provide power to Rensselaer.
In addition, the Line Department trims trees out of the high voltage primary lines to ensure the quality of service to our customers. Tree trimming is typically done during the winter months when the leaves are off the trees. The linemen also hang the Christmas decorations, banners and flags throughout the city. They also provide other community assistance as needed for events such as the Lil' Cousin Jasper Festival, Octoberfest and Rock the Arts.
