As the area continues to grow, TNMP would have the ability to demolish the office building and to add a second, identical substation next to the Pilot Point one.
The technology in place in the Ranch Cities area already works to “sectionalize [the] lines so less customers are out of power when there’s a problem,” Nortman said.
Safety is the primary focus for the company, both for its linemen and for the community at large.
“Our big thing is once we have a big storm come through, we will go out and assess our facilities,” Nortman said. “We want to make sure the public is safe before we ever start trying to energize anything.”
An electronic safety counter displays the days without incident at the Pilot Point hub—6,858 on Nov. 12.
“ Just my guys here in Pilot Point have gone almost 18 years without any kind of OSHA-recordable accident, so that’s huge,” Nortman said, “My guys at Olney are the same—they’re like 19 years without.”
Nortman added that its contractors that help with some of its work, such as Titan, Davey Tree and Vaquero Utilities, also prioritize safety.
Project leader Greg Evans said he enjoys getting to know the new faces on the line who are learning that culture of safety, communication and mutual respect from the veterans who are still on the job.
“Every day it’s something new,” he said. “No call is ever alike, and our guys—we demand the best from them, and they give us the best, and that’s what it takes.”
Nortman is also proud of the chance to work with young linemen.
“Biggest thing is your newer guys will see things that the guys that’s been here for a long time, they don’t see, because they’ve done it for so long,” Nortman said. “... It keeps the guys more or less on their toes and not just seeing what they’re used to seeing every day.”
TNMP, too, finds ways to give back to the communities it serves, often without fanfare.
On Nov. 13, the region came together to enjoy a day of fun and of generosity, with the proceeds from the games and raffle entries going toward either United Way of Denton County or Fallen Lineman Foundation.
For the linemen and support staff of TNMP, taking care of their neighbors
Abigail Bardwell/The Post-Signal
is what it’s all about.
“At the end of the day, the guys want to see the lights come on,” Nortman said. “There’s really not a better feeling when you work all day and you turn it on and you see the lights come on and people yell and holler and cheer. That’s what makes the job worth it.”
