COLLINSVILLE - Kevin Young, manager of Ameren Illinois Electric Training and a former line worker, emphasized the evolving landscape of the utility industry during a recent discussion about career opportunities and challenges in the field. Young's visit to Riverbender.com was also especially appropriate with ice and snow conditions predicted for Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in the region. Young highlighted the importance of rigorous training for new linemen, the increasing participation of women in the workforce, and the significant impact of extreme weather on power restoration efforts. In an interview, Young explained that severe weather conditions, particularly ice storms, pose substantial challenges for utility workers. "Ice is the worst; a quarter to half inch of ice can become insurmountable for some lines in our system," he said. He noted that safety is the first priority when assessing damage and restoring power. "We can restore energy as long as lines stay energized,"
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