Electric Cowboy: One Man’s High-Voltage Career Working to Expand America’s Power Grid
A Life on the Lines and Wind TurbinesJourney through the tumultuous life of Richard W. Anderson as he crisscrossed the U.S. to work in the electric power transmission and wind energy generation industries.
His tale unfolds as a narrative of both historical and personal revelation, blending poignant moments with humor and wit. From tragic events such as negligent homicide and aircraft crashes to the twists and turns of romance and divorce, Richard’s story spans over fifty years of daring exploration and resilient grit.As the demand for electricity accelerated, helicopters and sky cranes were used to hasten the expansion of the grid, especially in rough and limited access terrain.
With lineworkers riding atop helicopter skids, suspended underneath in a bosun’s chair, or installing conductor spacers high above the ground in a motorized cart, the danger and human drama associated with this work is highlighted in Electric Cowboy. Confrontation and conflict were inherent on every project, including legal proceedings.This memoir reveals the human pulse behind the electric world most people never notice and thus take for granted.