Local People: Nic, Operations Lead, Rocky Mountain House
Dec 2, 2025, 21:10 PMBorn and raised in Rocky Mountain House, Nic is extremely familiar with the area he works. He knows the people. He knows the Town and he knows how important the sense of community is in the place he calls home. Nic is a key player in FortisAlberta's dedication to efficient and safe storm response when extreme weather hits in central Alberta. He's someone who is proud to make a difference.
Likewise, we are proud to have him on our team.
Can you tell us about your background and role with FortisAlberta?
I’ve been with FortisAlberta for 14 years, starting and continuing my career in Rocky Mountain House, where I was born and raised. Today, I serve as the Operations Lead in Rocky. I feel fortunate to do what I love in the community where I grew up. I know the people here and many of them know me, so when I get the call for a restoration or deployed for a major storm response, I’m helping people I know directly. It’s great to be able to be there in those tough situations.
What goes through your mind when you get that call to respond to an outage in extreme weather?
There’s a mix of emotions. There’s genuine excitement stemming from our commitment to what we do best, knowing that myself, or my crew, get to be there for customers who need us. The urgency of restoring power in harsh conditions, especially when customers are worried about their well-being, drives our team to respond as safely and quickly as possible.
How do you prepare yourself and your equipment for severe winter conditions?
Preparation is key. I make sure my winter gear and personal protective equipment (PPE) is always ready. We don’t wait for when a call comes in. I layer up to stay warm and ensure our trucks have good winter tires and plenty of fuel. No matter the weather, these routines help us stay ready for whatever gets thrown at us.
What are the biggest obstacles during a winter storm restoration?
Staying warm and keeping equipment functioning in extreme cold are major challenges. Anyone who’s had to wear thick gloves while performing work with tools knows that your dexterity can be a bit compromised, but it’s something we adapt to and get used to it over time. Also, poor road conditions can impact work, especially if there's no direct route to an area where equipment may need repairs or replacement.
How do you stay safe and ensure public safety during restoration efforts?
Safe driving is crucial, especially in winter. I slow down and adjust to road conditions. In blizzards, I keep extra gloves and a warm truck ready. Public safety is a top priority; it’s something every department speaks to across the organization. We also educate the public about staying 10 metres from downed power lines and encourage them to call 310-WIRE (9473) (our Airdrie-based call centre) to set up a FortisAlberta consultation when working near lines or doing any underground work. Consultations are no-cost and can save a life. You can also submit a Locate Request for underground work through Utility Safety Partners.
Are there hazards people might not realize you face?
Wildlife is a real concern in remote areas. We stay alert for signs and keep bear spray on hand. There has been an increase in bear encounters this year in Alberta, which is something we pay close attention to.
How do you cope with the physical and mental demands of storm response?
Staying hydrated and following our internal MoveSafe® program keeps me ready. I approach each outage systematically and never let the pressure to restore power compromise safety.
How does your team communicate and coordinate during difficult conditions?
We ensure the right resources are available and buddy up in extreme cold. Communication is constant. We use very high frequency (VHF) radios and satellite phones to stay connected throughout storm restorations.
Can you share a critical decision you’ve made in the field?
During a minus 41-degree blizzard, I had to quickly decide to turn off power to a large group of customers to safely repair a sparking wire. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but it was either a brief outage for a customer group, or serious risk to our crew and nearby public. Safety always comes first, even when it means making tough choices.
What does it mean to you to restore power and provide comfort to customers in these conditions?
It’s a great feeling to get the lights back on. Knowing our work brings relief and safety to our customers, especially, as I mentioned, those I know personally, make every restoration worthwhile.
