Yellowknife (June 20/03) - Rain or shine, every time the power goes out someone has to fix the problem.

Wade Best has been a powerline technician for the past ten years. He currently works for the NWT Power Corporation and is based in Rae-Edzo.

Wade Best prepares to lower the "injured worker" dummy during the Pole Top Competition on June 6. - Amy Collins/NNSL photo

"It's exciting," Best said about his job. "If the power goes out, people rely on you."

Since he is responsible for installing and maintaining power systems, it helps to have some of the coolest tools in the trade.

With hotline sticks or rubber gloves "you can work on a line with power still in it," Best said. "It's a customer courtesy."

The bucket trucks are also a time-saver. If Best didn't have a truck, he would have to climb up a pole for each call.

It can be a dangerous job, but Best makes sure to follow all of the safety procedures.

"Safety is a big thing," he said.

Every year, the technicians update their training and hold a pole top competition.

The competition lets the technicians practice bringing a fellow employee down after being injured.

Best also wears fire retardant overalls when he's working and uses a jelco belt when climbing a pole. The belt will squeeze the pole and prevent him from falling if he loses his grip. Other safety gear include harnesses, a hard hat and safety glasses.

Best hasn't had any serious accidents, although he fell down a pole six years ago. "Getting shocked happens a nice bit, but they shouldn't happen," he said.

Best said the worst part of the job is having to answer a trouble call in bad weather.

When there's rain, snow or windstorms, "you have to take your time," he said.

Best prefers nice, warm days when he works outside, but would rather work in cold weather than during a lightning storm.

"You can dress for cold weather," he said.

"Working in a lightning storm is more dangerous than any other time," said Best. "If the lightning comes too close, you have to come down."

Hailing from St. John's, Newfoundland, Best says that while "home is home," he plans on staying in the North "as long as there's work."

He worked for Newfoundland Hydro until they started laying off employees. Best eventually moved to Rae-Edzo for "more stable employment."

As part of his job description, Best is always on call.

Being on call duty is a lot of work, which is why technicians can make $20 per hour as an apprentice and up to $35 per hour as a journeyman technician.