Electric Utility Operations

Powering Puerto Rico: IBEW Lineman Wins First Photo Contest

May 15, 2018

LinemanLifePhotoWinner

Eric Bowden, a lineman for Local 104 in New Hampshire, spent a month in Puerto Rico restoring power. After he returned home, he submitted photos to the 2018 Lineman Life Photography Contest. The e-newsletter subscribers cast 64% of the vote for one of his photos titled, “Powering Puerto Rico.” As the winner of the competition, Bowden will receive a free Tail Tamer, a lineman-invented tool from Utility Solutions. Two of his other photos, “Above the Island” and “Bird’s Eye View” also placed in the top four in the first annual photography contest.

Using a drone, Bowden also captured video footage of Puerto Rico. Here are some of his photos and videos combined in a short video clip. Also, look for an article in the 2018 T&D World Lineman Supplement on power restoration in Puerto Rico. If you worked to restore power in Puerto Rico and want to share your story about your experience, email Amy Fischbach, Field Editor.

About the Author

Amy Fischbach | Amy Fischbach, EUO Contributing Editor

Amy Fischbach is the Field Editor for T&D World magazine and manages the Electric Utility Operations section. She is the host of the Line Life Podcast, which celebrates the grit, courage and inspirational teamwork of the line trade. She also works on the annual Lineworker Supplement and the Vegetation Management Supplement as well as the Lineman Life and Lineman's Rodeo News enewsletters. Amy also covers events such as the Trees & Utilities conference and the International Lineman's Rodeo. She is the past president of the ASBPE Educational Foundation and ASBPE and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Kansas State University. She can be reached at [email protected].