Fleet Technicians Train To Keep Co-op Fleets on the Cutting Edge

These unsung heroes ensure equipment is operating safely and in full compliance

EnergyUnited

Electric cooperatives work around the clock to provide safe, affordable and reliable service to members. This may be most evident when line crews are spotted in the field, maintaining the system or restoring outages after a storm. But behind every bucket truck or other piece of equipment, there’s an often-unsung group of employees there to make sure everything works when it needs to: fleet technicians.

The training seminar included an all-terrain derrick demo by Integral DX. Photo courtesy of EnergyUnited.

“The work of fleet technicians may often go unnoticed, but their jobs are critical to ensuring equipment is operating safely and in full compliance 24/7, 365 days a year,” said Jimmy Brown, manager of Fleet Services for Statesville-based EnergyUnited.

Fleet technicians are responsible for everything from oil changes to equipping vehicles with the latest technology, providing fellow co-op employees with the best equipment and best tools to do their jobs. Staying up-to-date on current technology is critical to keeping fleets in top form, and in August, fleet technicians from eight electric cooperatives across the state met at EnergyUnited’s Mocksville office for the 2022 Fleet Training Seminar.

“Fleet technicians undergo training throughout the year to stay on top of new technology and safety protocols, and we’re pleased to play a part in supporting the key role these individuals complete on a daily basis,” Brown said.

The August training sessions included winching and recovery methods, working load limits, ultimate load limits and safety procedures. Sessions also included hydraulic hoses, crimping techniques and safety procedures when working with hydraulics.

Attendees represented Blue Ridge Energy, EnergyUnited, Pee Dee Electric, Piedmont Electric, Randolph EMC, Roanoke Electric Cooperative, Union Power Cooperative and Wake Electric. Contractors from Utility Lines Construction Services and Asplundh Tree Expert Company were also in attendance.