Tucson, Ariz. – Tucson Electric Power line crews this month are training to make repairs and replacements on energized equipment to minimize service outages to customers, especially during the heat of summer.

These exercises underscore TEP’s commitment to safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Journeyman line workers and apprentices will practice removing distribution lines from power pole cross arms with the use of an insulated “hot stick.” The training mimics work they will perform to repair electrical infrastructure or install new parts while power lines are energized with electrical current. This technique can avoid interruption to electrical service, especially during summer months when electricity will be in high demand for air conditioning and other cooling devices.

Members of the media are invited to witness and record this training from a safe distance outside TEP’s energized training yard on Wednesday, February 4^th from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Members of the media also can take an up-close look at a hot stick, rubber gloves and other equipment used by TEP field employees.

No energized components will be part of this training at TEP’s Irvington Campus. Ultimately, if repair work cannot be safely performed on an energized line, the segment will be taken out of service for a minimal amount of time.

Contact J.D. Wallace at (520) 801-6392 or jd.wallace@tep.com for arrangements to meet at Gate Two of the TEP Irvington Campus.