Max Fuentes
About Maximo “Max” Fuentes
Founder & Principal Consultant – Fuentes Consulting LLC
Maximo “Max” Fuentes launched his career in 1984 with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and has since become a respected leader in Transmission and Distribution (T&D) utility safety, operations, compliance, and workforce development. With more than four decades of industry experience, Max provides utilities, contractors, and legal teams with high-level consulting, technical training, procedure development, wildfire-mitigation expertise, and expert-witness support.
Industry Experience
Max spent 31 years in the electric power industry as a certified IBEW Journeyman Lineman, Line Foreman, and ultimately retired as a Grid Assets Line Supervisor – Business Operations at SMUD. His field and leadership experience span overhead transmission construction, underground distribution installation, system operations, crew staffing, and the development of safe and efficient work methods.
Training & Workforce Development
For more than 18 years, Max has taught and trained high-voltage electrical workers in all aspects of power-line construction and maintenance. He develops and delivers programs on:
Overhead and underground line construction
Personal protective grounding
High-voltage rubber-gloving
Pole-top, aerial-bucket, and vault rescue
Leadership, professionalism, and supervisory development
Safe work practices from low- to high-voltage applications
He is recognized for building practical, standards-based training aligned with industry regulations and best practices.
Regulatory & Standards Expertise
Max is highly experienced in applying:
OSHA 1910.269 and 1910.146
Cal/OSHA Title 8
General Orders 95, 128, 165, 166, and 174
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)
He frequently assists utilities with the development, revision, and implementation of work methods, safety procedures, and compliance programs.
Wildfire Mitigation & Operational Planning
Max has authored and reviewed Hazard and Wildfire Mitigation Plans for utilities across the region. He also serves as an independent third-party reviewer, ensuring programs meet regulatory requirements, reduce operational risk, and support long-term system resilience.
Expert Witness Services
Max provides specialized litigation support to attorneys and legal teams handling cases involving electric utility operations, safety standards, and T&D industry practices. His services include:
Expert report writing
Declarations and affidavits
Deposition and trial testimony
Regulatory and standards application
Development of demonstrative evidence and technical graphics
Mediation support and technical analysis
International Lineman’s Rodeo
Max competed in the Lineman’s Rodeo from 1992 to 2002, achieving consistent success throughout the decade. These competitions gave him the opportunity to work alongside a wide range of linemen across multiple categories, each with unique methods, conditions, and environments. By maintaining an open mind and embracing diverse techniques, he refined his own skill set and elevated his performance.
This adaptability and broad exposure continue to inform his professional work today. Max applies the lessons learned from years of competitive experience to develop clear, effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standard Work Practices (SWPs) for his clients, ensuring they reflect real-world conditions and proven field techniques.
ILR Awards
1992 - Champions Municipalities, 2nd Place Overall, and 3rd Place Hurt-man rescue.
1993 - Champions Municipalities, 3rd Place Overall, 1st Place Hurt-man rescue, and 1st Place Hot Tap changeout.
1994 - 2nd Place Pole (Speed) Climb, 2nd Place Insulator Changeout.
1995 - 1st Place Lightning Arrester changeout, 3rd Place Pole (Speed) Climb, and 1st Place Hurt man rescue.
1996 - Champions Municipalities
1998 - 1st Place 4kV Insulator Changeout, and 1st Place 4kV Dead End Bell Changeout.
2000 - Champions Contractor, 2nd Place Disconnect Changeout, 3rd Place Dead End Bell Changeout.
2001 - Champions Contractor
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