LPEA’s Aaron Renner earns Journeyman Lineman
Apprentice completes cooperative’s four-year program

DURANGO,CO – La Plata Electric Association’s Aaron Renner has completed the four-year Lineman Apprenticeship program, earning him the position of Journeyman Lineman, the profession responsible for constructing and maintaining electric power distribution lines and facilities.
Originally from Manassa, Colo. in the San Luis Valley, Renner learned about the career opportunities in the electric utility industry from a good friend and subsequently enrolled at Mesa Hotline School in Grand Junction. Upon graduation in 2007 he worked as an equipment operator for a short time with Par Electrical in Aurora before the LPEA apprenticeship position opened up.
“I have family here in the Bayfield area and have been coming here to hunt basically all of my life,” said Renner, who remains an avid outdoorsman. “The opportunity to apprentice here and work for LPEA was more than I could have hoped for.”
Renner was a member of the crew honored earlier this year at the 2011 Breakfast of Champions, sponsored by the American Red Cross, Southwest Colorado Chapter. Along with LPEA linemen Aaron Galloway and Jerry Sutherlin, Renner received the “Adult Lifesaver Award” for rescue of a motorcyclist who had been pinned under a large trailer. The crew had been returning from a service call in the North Animas Valley when they happened upon the accident scene. According to emergency personnel, their actions and quick work in removing the trailer resulted in a “successful outcome” for the motorcycle rider.
“We congratulate Aaron on earning his Journeyman Lineman,” said Steve Gregg, manager of operations. “Our linemen play an essential role. They’re the ones who are out there literally on the front lines getting the power back on in all types of conditions. With this top-notch training program, LPEA can continue to provide our customers with safe, reliable electricity.”
LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its more than 30,000 members, with in excess of 42,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit www.lpea.coop.