The Power Behind Your Power

Posted: May 5, 2023, 10:11 am

Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 18

Lineworker smilingFrom the power plant through the grid, both above and underground, and right up to your meter, your power reaches you thanks to the men and women who build and maintain the system that keeps our nation running. A lineworker’s job is demanding, essential and often must be performed in challenging conditions. This month, we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, and we want to express gratitude to those who keep our lights on. 0406950723775

The job requires many technical skills, years of training and hands-on learning. Did you know that becoming journeyman lineworker can take more than 7,000 hours of training – or about four years? National studies consistently rank power lineworkers among the most dangerous jobs in the country 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. Working with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and an ongoing commitment to safety.

Despite the challenges, PenLight lineworkers are committed to powering our local community. They are among the first ones called during severe weather events that can result in major power outages. They must be ready to leave the comfort of their homes and families unexpectedly, and they don’t return until the job is done. That’s why the lineworker’s entire family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community. Nationwide, there are about 120,000 electric lineworkers. Here in our territory, PenLight has 10 dedicated and extremely efficient lineworkers/ apprentices responsible for keeping power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year to Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula, Fox Island, Herron Island and Raft Island.

They maintain more than 1,000 miles of overhead, underground and transmission lines across 112 square miles. In addition to the highly visible tasks lineworkers perform, their job today goes far beyond climbing utility poles to repair equipment. Today’s lineworkers are information experts who can pinpoint power outages from miles away. Line crews now use laptops, tablets and other technologies to map outages, survey damage and troubleshoot problems. 0835700816314

Without the exceptional dedication and commitment of these hardworking men and women, we would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life. The next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. After all, lineworkers are the power behind your power. Please join us as we recognize them on April 18.