What is your role at the district, and what does a typical day look like? 

I have been a Line Equipment Technician at Wheat Belt for three years. My role is varied; I perform the daily duties of an apprentice lineman while maintaining critical equipment like transformers, regulators, capacitors, and reclosers. 

What drew you to the electric utility industry? 

My interest in the utility industry began early, influenced by my grandfather, who served on our local cooperative's board. His advocacy for the industry inspired my career path, leading me to earn an associate degree in powerline construction and maintenance from WNCC. 

What do you enjoy most about working in public power? 

At Wheat Belt, I enjoy combining physical field operations with the challenge of managing complex electrical systems. While the work is demanding, restoring power during storms when our customers need us most is deeply rewarding. 

How does your role contribute to improving system reliability or operational efficiency? 

Operational efficiency is the cornerstone of public power. Because costs are passed directly to our customers, we have a responsibility to operate as effectively as possible. My role bridges infrastructure and technology, focusing on automating equipment to improve power quality and upgrading aging systems to minimize the frequency and duration of outages. 

What is one efficiency improvement you have been part of that made you proud? 

We have made significant progress in minimizing the frequency and duration of outages. Real-time outage tracking through our metering system allows us to identify issues and plan our response before leaving the service center. Additionally, smart data management systems help us address potential problems before they escalate. By implementing automatic switching for system capacitors, we have improved power quality while optimizing our crews' time. 

What upcoming innovation do you think will redefine efficiency in our industry? 

Looking ahead, I am eager to see how the industry evolves. As we integrate advanced analytics and new grid technologies, our ability to prevent disruptions will only improve. I am proud to leverage these tools to keep Wheat Belt a model of reliability, ensuring our customers receive the consistent, high-quality power they depend on every day. 

What do you like to do in your free time? 

Growing up on a ranch, I developed an appreciation for the outdoors that carries over into my free time, where I enjoy backpacking and camping.