Local People: Michael, Power Line Technician, Brooks

May 8, 2025, 19:07 PM

FortisAlberta employees are proud to actively support the communities they serve. Power Line Technician (PLT) Michael Devaleriola says the role he and his teammates play in community events in their home base of Brooks is one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

Tell us about your work with FortisAlberta.

I install new transformers and other infrastructure for projects. Our job is to follow standards and ensure customers get safe, reliable electricity in a timely fashion. Another key part, and what many PLTs take the most pride in, is responding to outages. I think it’s awesome that we get to keep the lights on for our friends, family and neighbours.

What do you like most about being a PLT?

I like being up in the air, climbing and working up in the buckets. Participating in the annual FortisAlberta Lineman Rodeo & Safety Expo, where we test our skills against others in the industry in a safe, fun and competitive setting, is a blast as well. I hope to do that again this year.

What’s your favourite community event you’ve participated in representing FortisAlberta?

That has to be the ‘egg drop’ we did at Rolling Hills School last year. The kids made parachute devices to keep eggs intact, and then we dropped them from higher and higher heights using our bucket trucks. Everyone was excited to watch how the devices performed and it was one of my favourite days with FortisAlberta.

What are some other ways you connect with the community?

Last summer we installed poles for lights at the local dog park, which I was happy to be a part of. We do ‘bucket rides’ during Canada Day and we have a barbecue that we bring to a lot of events. Christmas is big for us as well, we’re in the parade and host a breakfast fundraiser to raise money for presents for local kids. I’m proud that FortisAlberta puts us in a position where we can do this kind of stuff.

Tell us more about where you live and work.

I’m proud to be an Albertan, and Brooks is a really nice community. It’s not too big, but it has everything you need and the people are great. It’s a really good place to raise a family.

What would you like FortisAlberta customers to know about your work?

If you see us out working and have questions, feel free to ask. We’re always happy to chat about what we’re doing.