POWERGRAMS

There are few sights as majestic as a bald eagle soaring above shimmering blue waters, wings outstretched in flight. The chance to glimpse these magnificent raptors is among the many reasons that nature lovers head to company-managed lakes. Twelve company reservoirs serve as host and habitat to the once-endangered species. Lake Mitchell, which spreads across Chilton and Coosa counties in the central part of the state, is among the lakes where the birds are known to nest. The company carefully monitors bald eagles on Lake Mitchell and its other reservoirs. Since 1993, Environmental Affairs (EA) employees have performed continuous route surveys of these lakes, riding the shorelines by boat to look for perched or soaring eagles and bald eagle nests. While the birds were removed from the endangered species list in 2007, Alabama Power has a long history of protecting bald eagles on its reservoirs and coordinates with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on the surveys and other protective efforts. EA Specialist Dylan Shaw, who works in Water Field Services at Alabama Power, is among many employees who do this work. The eagle survey is important because, even though the bird recovered from endangered species status more than a decade ago, the company wants to ensure that the eagle populations on its lakes continue to be healthy. "We can tell it's continuing to grow as a species," said Shaw, who has worked at the company for six years and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in biology. When EA specialists spot a nest, they note the location on the company's geographic information system list. "We make sure we're not impacting the nest," he said. "By marking the location of nests, we can help avoid future impacts, as well." "Our preserved lands and the land we manage are important for eagles and a number of other species, mostly because as we grow as a society, these wild places and protected places become fewer and far between," he said. "Alabama Power does a great job of setting aside lands around its reservoirs specifically for conservation, called natural undeveloped areas." By Donna Cope Company monitors bald eagles on lakes to safeguard species Lineworker Career Days inspire Wiregrass high school seniors to new heights About 70 students from more than 20 high schools across the Wiregrass area shadowed seasoned professionals. They left with a better understanding of what it takes to be a successful lineman, with an awareness about the fundamentals of electricity and the skills needed to safely work on power lines. Southeast Division hosted its first lineworker career day last year at Headland Crew Headquarters. To accommodate students interested in learning about Alabama Power careers, the company held its latest event in April. High school seniors interested in linework took part in the program. "It's all about recruitment," said David Norwood, Alabama Power community relations manager. "There's a lot of knowledge that our linemen and our employees have, but eventually that knowledge is going to be gone unless we are able to pass it on." Career days depend on the involvement of many, including community members, Alabama Power employees and the company's dedicated linemen. Because of these partnerships, future linemen are created, and community relationships are forged. "Last year at this event, we had five Henry County students that attended, and out of those five, three went on to complete the lineman apprentice program through Wallace Community College," said Amanda Hardy, career coach for Headland and Abbeville high schools and Henry County Schools. "So, I think that's a huge success story and shows the impact that days like this have on helping kids solidify that they are on the right track and moving in the right direction. So, thank you, Alabama Power." Students rotated through several interactive stations that showcased skills needed for linework. They learned about electrical safety, electrical circuits and transmission, pole climbing and mechanized equipment used for work in the field. They also toured a warehouse to see vehicles, materials and tools used by Alabama Power's field workers. Students performed some linework duties, allowing them to see and handle gear that linemen use daily. Several skilled linemen performed live demonstrations. Project Support Analyst Rachel Waterhouse and Recruiting Consultant Andreal Howard shared information about the company's support of lineworker education programs at colleges across the state and other workforce topics. At the Phenix City event, Community Relations Manager David Quinney noticed some students dressed like linemen. He enjoyed seeing students connect with employees. "I was excited to see that we had so many young students interested in Alabama Power, and I was very proud to see our employees sharing with them," Quinney said. "The opportunity for students to discuss their future with real Alabama linemen has to be so valuable in helping them decide their employment future." Power Delivery Supervisor Brian McAllister attended the Headland event. He said that having a presence in schools and the community is vital to ensuring the future of the company's lineworkers. "We want to have a constant presence in our schools and our local communities to ensure we're interacting with talented students, giving them the opportunity to learn about this awesome career." By Teisha Wallace By Teisha Wallace In electric industry circles, lineworkers are superheroes, often working in unpleasant weather conditions and difficult terrains. To help ensure the company has a skilled workforce in the future, Alabama Power is educating the next generation of lineworkers. Southeast Division recently held two career day programs at the Headland and Phenix City crew headquarters to encourage high school students to seek jobs in the electric-utility industry. Lineman Adam Vinyard (left) and Apprentice Lineman Drake Deppe (right, back) worked with a student at the Phenix City Career Day. (Brooke Goff) EA Specialists Shaw (left) and Colin Dinken monitor Lake Mitchell for eagles. (Donna Cope) 3

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