Local People – Lynnette, Field Service Representative, Operations West
Jan 30, 2025, 16:48 PMLynnette, a Field Service Representative based out of our Red Deer office, has been with FortisAlberta more than 18 years. In her work, she meets customers throughout the area she serves as she traverses all types of Alberta terrain and communities.
Can you tell me how the work you do makes a positive impact to FortisAlberta customers?
I interact with customers face-to-face, answering their questions about power meters and retailers. I also share any hazards I see with meter boxes and gather information from them, both positive and negative, to share with my team members.
What’s something surprising, or a unique element of your job, that people unfamiliar with the work might find interesting?
I get to drive around our beautiful province, visiting many communities and rural landscapes. I meet people from all walks of life in various chapters of their lives, from residential customers to commercial, rural and oilfield clients. I get to meet the people and businesses that make Alberta great!
Do you have a highlight, success or key memory that stands out from your time at FortisAlberta?
I enjoy meeting customers who share their personal, heartwarming stories and passions, and learning fun things like how to make bug bite ointment from tree sap.
How have you seen our service progress or improve in your role since joining the company?
Working with a company that cares about my success and ensures I get home safely each day encourages me to do my best. Safety is number one, and over the years, more controls have been put in place to make sure I get home every day.
How do you feel that change or improvement has resulted in better service for customers?
We went from meter reads once every two months for residential customers to daily reads. Each year, I learn more about the system and its components, so I am better equipped to answer customers' questions.
Before you’re out in the field each day, what’s one thing you do to prepare for what can be a very challenging job?
I go through all the orders I receive in the morning, make a travel plan, and see what materials I will need to complete my orders safely in all weather conditions.
Can you speak to your favourite part of the work you do?
Being outside and travelling through all seasons and weather conditions, and meeting customers.
What do you consider the most challenging part of the work?
Changing meters that do not have the required access for code clearance, especially with a dog that is not happy to see me. Using an outhouse in the dead of winter and the heat of summer is also challenging.
When you’re not at work, what might your community members find you doing?
Spending time with my son at the hockey rink and visiting some of Alberta’s beautiful landscapes and attractions.
Do you have anything to add about your role at FortisAlberta, or anything you think our customers should know about our work?
I am challenged mentally and physically each day. From trying to locate meters and removing hazards to change them (lifting and digging out broken/frozen gates and keeping my eyes open for dog doors). Every order is a new adventure and holds the possibility to learn something new, discover a service that customers offer, or find a new way to look at something.
