Reid Buckner is a “detective” who locates problems for Alabama Power before they become critical and create power system failures and outages. He uses infrared thermography to locate equipment that is overheated. Buckner, a marketing technician in the Enhanced Power Quality group, also focuses on problem-solving and analysis, helping assure that power is within the proper specifications.

“I was lucky enough to get the job in Power Quality and it’s turned out to be, I think, a good fit,” said Buckner, who has worked at the company for five years and joined his current team in 2019.

Reid Buckner is a “detective” for Alabama Power from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Upon entering the Power Quality group, Buckner underwent safety training at the General Services Complex in Calera, completed a power quality investigator training course hosted by the Electric Power Research Institute, and earned his Level 1 and 2 certifications in infrared thermography.

“Reid is becoming an expert in the use of infrared thermography and finding problems,” said William McCraney, Buckner’s supervisor.

A major portion of Buckner’s job involves traveling to commercial, industrial and residential customer locations to ensure company equipment is functioning properly to avoid system interruptions.

“This job is very interesting and it’s something different nearly every day,” he said. “I have enjoyed my time here and don’t plan on going anywhere else.”

Reid Buckner uses a special camera to analyze power equipment. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter)

Reid Buckner analyzes power equipment in an effort to prevent problems from arising. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter)

Reid Buckner and his wife have two daughters and five grandchildren, all under the age of 7. (contributed)

Reid Buckner and his wife have two daughters and five grandchildren, all under the age of 7. (contributed)

During the pandemic, Buckner and other Power Quality personnel were tasked with examining Alabama Power equipment at hospitals and nursing homes. Buckner inspected more than 300 facilities to prevent outages at these critical businesses.

Buckner and his wife have two daughters and five grandchildren, all under the age of 7.

“The grandchildren are a big part of my life,” Buckner said. “I like to do outdoor things. I like to shoot and hunt and do some fishing, but mostly it’s the grandkids.”