For decades, PG&E transmission crews performed barehand work on energized transmission lines, allowing maintenance and repairs to be completed without interrupting service. It’s highly specialized work, and when barehand training stopped in recent years, much of the company’s expertise began to disappear.
In 2025, after extensive advocacy by IBEW 1245 and a comprehensive review of industry best practices, including a third-party safety assessment, a pilot program was launched to reintroduce barehand work to T200 transmission crews. The agreement established dedicated Subject Matter Experts, specialized training, and premium pay for employees performing this work.
As part of the effort to rebuild and preserve this critical skill set, our Brother, Ryan Skelton, IBEW 1245 Business Representative, is currently participating in barehand certification training in Los Banos, CA.
These photos offer a glimpse into the rigorous training and focus required to safely perform barehand work on energized transmission lines.
The training concludes this week, and we can’t wait to give you a c loser look at what it takes to earn a barehand certification.
Stay tuned.