Ken Lulow - Bio

A seasoned professional in the electric utility sector, I bring over two and a half decades of experience cultivated through a progressive career path, starting as a ground helper and advancing to a trusted advisor. My deep understanding of the industry is rooted in firsthand experience as a third-generation line worker, providing a unique perspective on operational realities and the challenges faced by frontline teams.

My experience includes extensive work in the field, navigating the complexities of overhead and underground distribution systems across the Pacific Northwest. I come with a proven track record of leading teams through complex electric projects, managing critical storm recovery efforts, and serving as an electrical first responder. This practical background has honed my expertise in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and effective leadership in demanding environments.

Beyond field operations, I have dedicated a significant portion of my career to the development and mentorship of utility professionals. As an apprenticeship and frontline employee instructor, master trainer, and leadership development advocate, I have been instrumental in shaping the next generation of skilled workers and leaders. My focus extends beyond technical proficiency to instill a deep understanding of safety protocols and best practices.

An advocate for continuous improvement and innovation, I have actively contributed to the advancement of the utility sector through strategic collaborations. I have worked closely with safety departments to advise on the development and implementation of critical safety and procedural standards, contributing to a safer working environment. My partnerships with standards engineering have been pivotal in the design and integration of new equipment construction standards and work practices, directly enhancing field safety, grid reliability, and overall system efficiency. Furthermore, I have collaborated with technology teams to facilitate the adoption and optimization of new technologies aimed at workforce management, increasing operational efficiency and safety.

Recognizing the evolving challenges within the industry, I played a key role in the development of a comprehensive wildfire prevention plan for Washington state’s largest utility, demonstrating a proactive approach to risk mitigation and strategic planning.

My professional approach emphasizes collaboration, effective communication, and empowering individuals within an organization. It involves utilizing the frontline workers' knowledge to drive innovation and efficiency, while fostering a culture of trust and shared responsibility. My experience includes a thorough understanding of the electric utility industry and the importance of aligning strategic objectives with practical implementation. Additionally, I have experience in public speaking and advocating for public safety, promoting safety awareness and strengthening community relationships.

Ken Lulow exudes professionalism in all aspects of his career. He has been a well-respected Electric First Response Troublemen for all of his time at Puget Sound Energy, but he really hit his stride consulting with Safety, Electric First Response, and Training. Ken spearheaded many challenges that faced the organization and drove for positive outcomes that left employees safer as a result. Not only did Ken support his own Electric First Response Department needs with training and consultation, but he met the needs of many other departments as well. He assisted with electrical training for our gas storage facility, he created an equipment safety training for environmental services employees that handle capacitors banks, and he consulted with our gas corrosion department on concentric neutral concerns.

His reach at PSE was limitless.

Speaking specifically for our Corporate Safety Department, our two Electric Operations support staff would lean so heavily on Ken as a resource to ask questions, gauge his opinion, and share their thoughts and his door was always open with a listening ear and intention to help and find a solution. As our department who typically delivers all employee safety training transitioned team members, Ken was immediately willing to step in and start to deliver some basic electrical and Arc Flash Safety Training to all new hires. He took it upon himself to update the training, create notes to ensure that others would always be setup for success when delivering that content, and we could not be more appreciative of that.

He has a tremendous heart, and that truly carries over into all of the work he does to ensure the safety of his co-workers whether they conduct line work, deliver safety training, or draft field-operating standards. Every individual matters to Ken.

Puget Sound Energy Corporate Safety Dept.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to provide my highest recommendation for Kenneth Lulow. Having worked directly with Ken for over 4 years at Puget Sound Energy, I can attest to his exceptional qualities as an electrical lineman and valued team member.

Ken consistently demonstrates the highest levels of professionalism, technical expertise, and dedication to safety in his role as a journeyman lineman. What truly sets Ken apart is his unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of his work, whether responding to emergency outages in severe weather conditions or mentoring newer team members, Ken consistently goes above and beyond what is required.

Kens technical proficiency is matched by an exceptional work ethic and reliability. He has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to handle complex electrical systems while maintaining the highest safety standards. In addition to his complex lineman role, Kens contributions to our training programs have been invaluable, where he has shown extensive technical training abilities and a genuine desire to share knowledge with colleagues.

Perhaps most importantly, Ken embodies the values of honesty, integrity, and dedication that are essential in our industry. His commitment to the team and willingness to take on additional responsibilities has earned him the respect of both peers, management, and executives.

I am confident that Ken would be an asset to any organization. He has my strongest recommendation, and I would be happy to provide any additional information about his qualifications and character.

Sincerely,

John Goodrich

Southern EFR Supervisor

Mobile: 206-930-1359

Benefits to the Electric Standards Team

Ken Lulow has benefited the Puget Sound Energy Electric Standards team substantially. Ken is an experienced Troubleman who bridges the reality of field operations with the in-office engineering applications. He has been instrumental in mentoring numerous engineers on the Standards team, building their career knowledge and raising them into sought after professionals.

Standards relies on Ken as a key stakeholder to review policy and line work practices to verify constructability, practicability, and operational safety. His mentorship has advanced each individual into thinking more holistically, leading engineers to think through the lens of a field operator in addition to an engineer’s perspective. The result has been enhanced collaboration between peers, driving a consensus for clear, concise, familiar policies that operators can accept.

Standards has engineers that are new to the industry and others that have been working on the Electric Distribution system for over 25 years. Ken speaks to each individual with respect, with the same level of detail, explaining the application, consequence, and solution of each decision.

Ken is able to bridge two sets of groups: field and office. It is impressive how he is able to represent both group types to lead to a solution. This helps Standards’ substantially when a decision is at an impasse. Standards relies heavily on Ken for the details.

Ken is instrumental in addressing technical inquiries, facilitating workshops, and supporting mentees during field visits. He has consistently been Standards’ go-to person whenever we have questions. His experience has been exceptionally valuable, especially his ability to clearly and effectively explain technical topics. 

Standards is consistently challenged with creating policy for new technologies in a short timeframe. Ken has been a consistent partner with Standards. We collaborate on the effectiveness of legacy materials, safety, operability and challenges a field worker will face introducing a new material. He takes the engineers on field visits to show the application of their designs. This advances the technical insight engineers will take when creating a new policy or introducing a new material. Seeing a material installed in reality advances the mindset, consequences and challenges field operators manage.

Ken has continuously made himself available even when he is stretched across commitments. He is goal oriented, easy to work with, and provides solutions with his expertise that contributes to the Standards’ team as he pushes for solutions but is empathetic to competing priorities.

Ken has been a dedicated peer with Standards to confirm important operation/maintenance information, unifying recommendations from wide spread service areas. His ability to unify field and policy needs makes him a consistent partner with the Standards team. He has contributed to the team’s success and reduced complaints from the operations team.

He has been instrumental in bridging the Standards and Training teams on a face to face level, developing strong relationships that has built trust and progress. Standards has developed into a stronger team through Ken’s mentorship.

Carrie Keating, PE

Supervisor, Gas and Electric Standards

Ken has been an invaluable asset to our local utility. His work is consistently thorough, and he is always responsive to our needs. I have found Ken to be trustworthy and reliable, which is essential in our industry.
What truly sets Ken apart is his expertise as a trainer and industry expert. He's highly experienced and well-respected by our field workers. The training materials he's developed are comprehensive and have made a significant impact on our team's efficiency and knowledge. Ken has developed materials and training for high voltage safety training, new equipment training, and storm process. Ken has collaborated with multiple departments across the utility to streamline work practices and acting as the subject matter expert. He's put in a tremendous amount of effort to create these resources, and we're incredibly grateful for his dedication.
I highly recommend Ken for any organization seeking a knowledgeable, reliable, and effective trainer and/or industry expertise. His contributions have been outstanding and I look forward to continuing to work with Ken in the future

Jordan Swanson
Electric First Response Supervisor, Northern

I am writing to give my utmost recommendation to you for Ken Lulow. Ken and I were both employed as EFR Troublemen at PSE for roughly 9 synchronous years. We worked in different geographic regions, but our approach to our position was similar. This eventually led to Ken and I being involved in many tasks together at PSE. We joined multiple committees, took part in process improvement meetings, delivered safety presentations and facilitated effective communication between departments. Ken’s knowledge, skills and experience naturally made him an ideal resource whenever unbiased and accurate information or feedback was needed from an individual with legitimate field experience. Ken quickly developed a reputation as the “go-to” guy in the EFR department company-wide. He has the unique ability to build real trust-based relationships with all work groups, whether field or office.

With over two decades of experience in the electric linework industry, Ken is truly a subject matter expert. He has spent thousands of hours working in various roles on both the construction and utility level. He has dedicated much of his career to educating electrical lineworkers, much of it as an instructor with the JATC program. Ken truly cares about the trade and puts everything he has into providing a quality learning experience. While at PSE, Ken voluntarily took on the position of “trainer”, while still working full-time as a troubleman. He traveled the entire service territory, developing and delivering training to PSE employees from nearly every group in the Electric Operations Department. His preparation and execution was always incredible, and nobody ever doubted that if they got their information from Ken, it was going to be accurate. He single-handedly made the most dramatic improvement I have witnessed in training at PSE in my 15 years of employment with the organization.

Ken has now ventured out on his own with Lineworker Solutions, continuing his passionate pursuit of improving the world of electrical linework. As we enter a period of unprecedented change and growth in our industry, it is more important now than ever to have people like Ken to meet the demands we face. I am proud to have worked side-by-side with Ken and will put my own reputation on the line for his professionalism and expertise any day. If you are considering hiring Ken or utilizing his services, I am sure, that you will not regret giving him the opportunity. If you have any questions or want further information, please feel free to contact me personally at (360)421-6175.

Sincerely,

Jon Backman

EFR Troubleman - PSE

• (1999 - 2000) Started in the electric utility industry as ground helper

• (2000 - 2002) Apprentice line worker with the NW Line JATC

• (2002 - Oct.) Completed accredited apprenticeship and achieved Journey Level Line Worker

• (2002 - 2007) Journey level Line Worker for Potelco

• (2007 - 2016) Line Crew Foreman for Potelco

• (2016 - 2025) Electric First Response at Puget Sound Energy

• (2017 - 2024) Apprenticeship instructor at NW Line JATC - Currently fill in as needed

• (2020 - 2021) Lead team in development of Work Managment field software (PSE)

• (2022-2025) Lead trainer (lineman, public safety, electrical safety), advisor (electric field operations, standards, work methods, wildfire mitigation and response)

• AA (applied sciences) South Seattle College

• Master Trainer Designation - ATD

• Authorized OSHA Outreach Instructor

• Journey level Line Worker - NW Line JATC (accredited Lineman apprenticeship)

• (2007) Recognized as Safety Employee of the Year - Potelco

• (2010) Recognized as Employee of the Year - Potelco