The Commitment of an Electric Lineworker

Posted: April 1, 2021, 7:00 am

Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 18

lineman working on power poleNational studies consistently rank power line installers and repairers 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 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 they tackle the challenges of the job.

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 years of specialized training and apprenticeships, it takes internal fortitude and a mission-oriented outlook to be a good lineworker. A service-oriented mentality is a hallmark characteristic of lineworkers. The job requires lineworkers to set aside their personal priorities to serve their community.

Family Support System

bucket truck at night workingTo do their jobs successfully and safely, lineworkers depend on their years of training, experience and each other. 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 have minimal communication and not see each other for several days.

Without strong family support and understanding, this challenging job would be even more difficult.

Community Commitment

linemen working on power polesIn our 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 cooperative.

Lineworkers are often familiar figures in the community. They coach youth sports teams, volunteer for local charities, and serve on local advisory boards.

Thank You

Each April, PenLight celebrates Lineworker Appreciation Day—recognizing and honoring the dedication of our lineworkers on and off the job.

We encourage our members to take a moment and acknowledge the many contributions our lineworkers make to our community.

If you see their family members in the grocery store or out and about in, please offer them a thank you as well.