Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear hard hats. A lineworker’s job is tough, but it must be done, often in challenging conditions.
Nationwide, approximately 120,000 electric lineworkers are responsible for keeping power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year. Without the dedication and commitment of these hardworking men and women, we would not have the reliable electricity needed for everyday life.
Therefore, Lineworker Appreciation Day is celebrated every April. In fact, co-op lineworkers are celebrated twice in the same month. This year, be sure to thank a lineworker on April 10 and 18.
In 2013, Congress passed a bill to designate April 18, 2013, as National Lineman Appreciation Day. Since then, the day has been widely observed to honor lineworkers across the nation annually.
In 2016, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association board adopted a resolution to designate the second Monday of April as Lineworker Appreciation Day.
The resolution states, “Lineworkers are the first responders of the electric cooperative family, getting power back on and making things safe for all after storms and accidents … there would be no electric cooperatives without the brave men and women who comprise our corps of lineworkers.”
Lineworkers must be committed to their career because it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. The long hours and ever-present danger can truly take a toll. In fact, being a lineworker is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S.
Despite the challenges, lineworkers are committed to powering their communities. During severe weather events that cause outages, lineworkers are among the first ones called. They must be ready to leave the comfort of their homes unexpectedly, and they don’t return until the job is done.
So, whether it’s on April 10, 18, both days or every day, be sure to thank your electric cooperative’s lineworkers for their dedication to keeping power flowing. While you’re at it, don’t forget about those behind the scenes who play a vital role at your electric cooperative. After all, every individual at your electric co-op is the
power behind your power.
