Ameren Illinois crews compete in National Gas Rodeo

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MARION, Ill. (KBSI) — Ameren Illinois natural gas workers from Marion, Peoria and Springfield recently put their skills to the test against utility crews from across the country at the National Gas Rodeo.

The annual competition gives natural gas workers an opportunity to demonstrate skills they use in the field through a series of timed events.

Colby Sawin, senior director of gas operations and distribution for Ameren Illinois, said the competition brings together workers who spend their careers maintaining and operating natural gas systems.

Events include building a gas meter set, running a gas service, cutting six-inch steel pipe with a wheel pipe cutter and hand-digging a hole.

“It’s all timed,” Sawin said. “It’s something you really need to see, how fast they can do those things.”

While speed is part of the competition, Sawin emphasized that crews are not expected to work at that pace when performing those tasks in the field.

He said the rodeo allows workers to demonstrate their abilities in a competitive environment while still focusing on the skills, procedures and safety practices required for natural gas work.

Getting to the national competition also requires preparation outside of employees’ regular workdays.

Sawin said competitors dedicate their own time to practicing, including before and after work and on weekends.

Ameren Illinois sent three teams to this year’s competition: a four-person team from Peoria, a four-person team from Springfield and a two-person team from Marion.

The Marion team was new to the competition this year. Sawin said Ameren Illinois holds internal competitions when multiple teams want to participate, with the top-performing crews advancing to the national event.

“They were our top two-man team, first year in the competition,” Sawin said of the Marion crew.

The team went on to finish 16th out of 32 teams in the two-person division.

For Sawin, the competition also provides a chance to highlight work customers may not typically see.

Turning on a gas stove or another natural gas appliance may seem simple from the customer’s perspective, but Sawin said there is significantly more happening behind the scenes to safely deliver that natural gas.

Employees undergo training and must demonstrate their knowledge and abilities through testing and qualifications before performing certain work on natural gas systems.

Sawin said those requirements are designed to ensure employees understand the work they are performing and can do it safely for both themselves and customers.

The competition also brings employees together from different parts of the company and gives crews an opportunity to learn from other natural gas workers.

This year marked the 39th National Gas Rodeo, with 56 teams competing overall.

Ameren Illinois was represented by its teams from Peoria, Springfield and Marion, while Sawin said Ameren Missouri also sent teams to compete.