Karen Flewharty is a Joint Use Manager in the electric utility industry. She has an electrical engineering degree which she obtained while working as a drafter many years ago. She calls her utility career her second career. Karen shares her passion for the utility industry and the joy she brings to her job every day.
Episode Notes
Music used in the podcast: Higher Up, Silverman Sound Studio
Acronyms, Definitions, and Fact Check
Joint Use – Shared use of utility poles by multiple users. Instead of having several sets of poles lining roads, utilities will use other utilities’ poles, typically electric utility poles. (https://info.aldensys.com/joint-use/an-introduction-to-utility-pole-joint-use)
UTC – Utilities Technology Council – The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) is a global association focused on the intersection of telecommunications and utility infrastructure. UTC gives voice to the men and women in the utility workforce who create and maintain critical communications systems that help keep the lights and the water flowing. (www.utc.org)
UNC Charlotte EPIC Center – The Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at UNC Charlotte was formed in response to the need from industry to supply highly trained engineers qualified to meet the demands of the energy industry – through traditional and continuing education, and provide sustainable support the Carolina energy industry by increasing capacity and support for applied research. (www.epic.uncc.edu)
About 3.5% of linemen are women. (https://www.tdworld.com/electric-utility-operations/article/20966981/company-spotlight-bpa-hires-first-woman-lineman)
Ordinarily Extraordinary 