The Commitment of an Electric Lineworker

Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 18

National studies consistently rank powerline installation and repair among the most dangerous jobs in the country, and for good reason. Laboring high in the air wearing heavy equipment and working directly with high-voltage electricity creates the perfect storm of a dangerous and unforgiving profession. But electric lineworkers are up to the task. These brave men and women are committed to safety, as well as the challenges of the job. 25986

PenLight’s lineworkers are responsible for keeping power flowing day and night, regardless of national holidays, vacations, birthdays, weddings, or other important family milestones. Beyond the years of specialized training and apprenticeships, it takes internal fortitude and a mission-oriented outlook to be a good lineworker. In fact, this service-oriented mentality is a hallmark of lineworkers. The job requires them to set aside their personal priorities to better serve their communities.

Family Support System

To perform their jobs successfully, lineworkers depend on their years of training, experience, and each other to get the job done safely. Equally important is their reliance on a strong support system at home. A lineworker’s family understands and supports their loved one’s commitment to the greater community during severe storms and power outages. This means in times of prolonged outages, the family and their lineworker may not see each other and have minimal communication for several days. Without strong family support and understanding, this already challenging job would be much more difficult. 17737

Community Commitment

In our local community and across the country, electric co-op lineworkers’ mission-focused mentality of helping others often extends beyond their commitment to their work at the co-op. Lineworkers are often familiar figures in the community. They can be found coaching youth sports teams, volunteering for local charities, and serving on local advisory boards

Thank You

Each year PenLight celebrates Lineworker Appreciation Day. We recognize and honor the dedication of our lineworkers, both on and off the job. We encourage our members to take a moment and acknowledge the many contributions our lineworkers make to our local community. If you see their family members in the grocery store or out and about in town, please offer them thanks as well.