Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative will send one senior journeyman lineworker team, three journeyman lineworker teams, 10 apprentice lineworkers, nine competition judges, a barbecue team and volunteers to the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo at Nolte Island Park near Seguin on July 20. 

The event gives lineworkers a chance to compete against their peers from cooperatives and other electric utilities across the state in order to showcase some of the skills they perform on the job. It also helps promote safe work practices, recognizes skilled lineworkers and celebrates their profession. Other competitions include a dexterous pole climb while carrying a raw egg in a bag — and not breaking it — and a pole-top rescue of a mannequin the size and weight of a person. There are other events that test lineworkers’ skills at equipment replacement and wiring, as well as a barbecue cook-off. 

Come cheer on our teams in person or keep track of their progress via Bluebonnet’s Facebook, Instagram and X pages throughout the day. Learn more about the event at tlra.org

Agenda

• 6:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies
• 6:45 a.m. Competition begins
• 4 p.m. BBQ cook-off judging
• 6:30 p.m. Awards ceremony

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors unanimously voted during its April meeting to return $6.23 million in capital credits to member-owners of the cooperative, an increase of more than $500,000 over last year. Beginning in May, Bluebonnet’s members will receive a credit on their electric bill for their share of $6.23 million in capital credits.

“We are proud to return historic amounts in capital credits to our members year after year,” said Ben Flencher, Bluebonnet’s board chairman. “It demonstrates the commitment from our Board of Directors and employees to invest in and serve Bluebonnet’s members and communities for more than 85 years.”

Capital credits are revenue above what it takes to operate the co-op. Every April, Bluebonnet’s Directors approve the capital credits payment. When determining how much to return to members, the Directors consider the impact that the amount returned to members will have on electric rates and the co-op’s financial strength.

The amount each member gets back depends on how much electricity they used in previous years through 2023 and how long they have been a Bluebonnet member. Current members will see a credit on their May electric bill for their share of this year’s capital credits retirement. Former members who are still owed a capital credit will be mailed a check in May or June.

During the past 20 years, Bluebonnet has returned $94 million to members in capital credits.

“The continued, historic growth in Bluebonnet’s service area and sound fiscal management has enabled Bluebonnet to return record amounts in capital credits the past several years,” said Matt Bentke, Bluebonnet’s general manager. “In addition to having one of the lowest electric rates in the state, the credit our members will see on their bills in May is one of the most important benefits of being a member-owner of Bluebonnet.”