Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene on Kentucky’s electric  cooperatives, the 2024 Kentucky Lineman’s Rodeo, scheduled for October 3-4, has been canceled.

After making landfall in Florida on Thursday, September 26 at 11:25 pm EDT, the storm moved quickly enough to bring hurricane force winds into the southeast U.S. and tropical storm force winds into the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, snapping tree limbs and toppling whole trees into power lines, breaking hundreds of poles across Kentucky.

At the height of the storm, more than 100,000 electric cooperative consumer-members lost power. Central Kentucky experienced winds of 40-60 mph winds, with a maximum measured wind of 65 mph at the Lexington Airport in the afternoon of Friday, September 27.

The region also received 3-5 inches of rainfall during this event. The post-tropical low pressure system continued to spin over central Kentucky for a few days before moving out of the region.

The storm significantly impacted both the operations of co-ops across the state and the safety team of Kentucky Electric Cooperatives which coordinates mutual aid efforts. As of Sunday evening, 60 hours after Helene’s remnants slammed into Kentucky, co-ops had restored power to 90% of those who had lost it on Friday.

“Getting the lights back on safely is our number one priority,” said Randy Meredith, Director of Safety and Loss Prevention at Kentucky Electric Cooperatives. “Although the decision to cancel the Rodeo is a difficult one, it is the right one for our members. All energies and resources will be focused on the cooperatives’ number one mission.”

For 20 years, the Kentucky Lineman’s Rodeo has showcased the skills, agility and safety of electric cooperative lineworkers who compete in a variety of events to promote safety and the development of unique skills, The event offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at their essential work and training while promoting safety, teamwork and cooperation.

At this time, the statewide association does not plan on rescheduling the event which was to be hosted by East Kentucky Power Cooperative in Winchester.

“We appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time,” Meredith added. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the hurricane and those working to restore power.”