If you’re a frequent reader of USP’s eNews, you’ll note the absence of the monthly locate request totals and percentages table that appeared at the top of our monthly circulation. After achieving the desired locate request web percentage objectives, we felt it was no longer necessary to continue posting that information. Instead, we’ve added a new link within the eNews banner promoting access to our full Stakeholder Report.

The USP Scholarship is new this year and was announced at USP’s 40th Anniversary and Safety Conference in Banff, February 2024. Beginning in 2025, two $2,500 scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who not only meet the academic criteria but also exhibit a passion for safety, leadership, and community service. By investing in education and training, USP aims to equip future professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to prioritize safety, mitigate risks, and implement innovative solutions.

With interest in becoming a registered facility company with Utility Safety Partners, there is a specific process that is followed. This short but thorough process provides both the registering facility company and Utility Safety Partners with detailed information pertaining to that company, as well as the proper documentation to have the account set up. This process can seem like a daunting task – but this process has been streamlined to ensure it can be completed efficiently and in a timely manner.

With 56 wildfires currently burning in Alberta, we can expect that this summer will once again bring more evacuations and challenges. The threat is real. 

During a wildfire emergency, USP’s role is to maintain normal Emergency Procedures and to support utilities by updating contact information frequently to keep critical locate requests getting to and from the boots on the ground. The most important thing to remember in an emergency is that it is NOT the time to change procedures. By following established protocols and continuing to call in Emergency Locate Requests in advance of heavy equipment crossings or digging firebreaks, we can prevent compounding the danger to responders who are working near pipelines and overhead power.

This year’s tournament is set at the beautiful Hamptons Golf Club in Calgary – a world-class members-only golf club that has hosted numerous PGA legends exhibitions, Champions Tour qualifying events, and top local amateur and professional tournaments. USP’s tournament follows a Texas Scramble format, making it perfect for players of all skill levels. Get ready to enjoy contest holes with friendly competition and fantastic prizes, including a $5,000 cash prize for scoring a hole in one.

June is a month for stopping, taking stock, and ensuring that you still have all your important (and less important) bits. Head? Check. Brains? Slightly scrambled, but check. Heart? I left it in San Francisco, but I’m sure it’s fine. Looking around what would normally be a smouldering wreckage, this June I see a well running and confident Contact Centre humming along without much issue relative to year’s past.

What's different?

Utility Safety Partners is excited to announce Stew Purkis as the newest addition to our team of Safety Ambassadors. Starting this month, you may have seen Stew driving around Lethbridge and the Southern Alberta region in his brightly decaled safety-mobile. Stew is USP’s sixth Safety Ambassador – joining a team of experienced safety professionals who visit stakeholders throughout Alberta to raise awareness about the locate process, overhead power line safety, and safe practices when working around utility and energy lines.

Growing up in rural Alberta - things feel a little different compared to living in the city. There was a strong sense of community, whether that be driven by the local arena, curling rink, or community centre. Everyone seems to know everyone, so it is important to maintain relationships that might continue to exist for generations.