Page 9 - LA811

Board
Member
Spotlight
M Kevin Bono
y construction supervisory role at Cleco Power, LLC, allows me to erect new business electrical systems, perform routine maintenance of the electrical
grid, and maintain the reliability of overhead
and underground electrical grids. While performing damage investigations for the past 20 years at Cleco, I am proactively passing my knowledge to new Cleco employees, hired contractors, and the public. My initiatives as a supervisor and 811 Board Member are to “Protect, Promote and Engage.”
• Step one: Protect employees, and the public with a questioning attitude to mitigate hazards, utility damage, and owner/operator’s asset expenses.
• Step two: Promote training, innovative ideas, and positive attitudes toward damage prevention.
• Step three: Engage with employees and the public to heighten awareness of unknown hazards associated with underground utilities.
Through this initiative and partnership with Louisiana 811,
Cleco has seen a decline in damage claims due to Louisiana
811 promotions, billboards, alliance councils, and nationwide summits. Let’s utilize the Louisiana 811 website for training videos, current Dig Laws, scholarships, and 811 excavator training and education. I challenge all operators and facility owners to “Dig to Success.”
811 Board Member James Martarona Retiring
Start the New Year with CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy training is focused on making sure your leadership
and field personnel understand the 811 state laws, safe digging best practices, and other tips to help your projects be completed damage free without the delays and expenses
of cutting a natural gas line. Most importantly, it is critical we cover how to stay safe in the event of a cut natural gas line.
Our training also covers the steps to prevent natural gas ignition, explosion, and inherent risks should blowing gas from a damaged pipeline occur in your community.
To schedule your training session, email
PublicAwareness@CenterPointEnergy.com
Congratulations to James Martarona, who is retiring from Louisiana 811’s Board of Directors. We sincerely appreciate the time and energy that James spent on the board, especially for his amazing service as Chairman of the Board. Thank you, James!