Power to the pole climbers

We cannot offer enough praise for our line technicians. These are the workers who go above and beyond every day to help make sure the power keeps flowing. Doesn’t matter if it’s extreme heat, freezing cold or a major storm, they’re on the job. Every April 18 is designated National Lineman Appreciation Day to shine a light on those who take on a difficult and sometimes dangerous responsibility.

Sure, you’ve seen workers climbing utility poles to maintain and fix overhead power lines, but our technicians do a lot more than that. They work all throughout our electric system – underground, in substations and on all types of equipment.

In addition, they frequently help utilities in other states when severe weather leads to major power outages.

Here are a few numbers that help show the commitment and dedication these men and women bring to their jobs all year round.

• 35 pounds of equipment carried when climbing a utility pole.
• 270–300 days worked in an average year.
• 24/7 availability.
• 11,000,000 miles driven in an average year.
• 5–7 years advanced schooling/training to become a journeyman lineman.