Annual observance celebrates the hard work of line technicians
(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) — Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company join utilities across the United States in recognition of April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day. LG&E and KU are grateful every day to the employees and utility partners for their work on overhead and underground power lines, in substations and on equipment spanning our entire electric system.
"Our hardworking employees brave the elements, day and night, to support the electric system in communities we serve – and provide support from company facilities and behind the scenes – to ensure customers have safe, reliable electric power around the clock,” said Peter Waldrab, LG&E and KU vice president of Electric Distribution. “They are also among the first to offer help to neighboring states through our mutual-assistance program when those areas experience storm events. We are thankful for our employees and their strong dedication to our customers.”
Kentucky lawmakers passed on April 12 a resolution, introduced by Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Rep. Jared Bauman, in recognition of line technicians across Kentucky for their contributions to the profession and Commonwealth. The U.S. Congress first recognized the line worker profession in 2013, designating April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day, in reflection of the electric industry's response to Hurricane Sandy.
LG&E and KU have more than 500 employee and resident contractor line technicians spanning more than 40 crew centers. They build, operate and maintain equipment and infrastructure that delivers power to approximately 1 million electric customers in Kentucky and Virginia. LG&E and KU also maintain relationships, including mutual assistance partnerships, that provide access to invaluable resources and hundreds of crews from more than 20 states when mobilizing for potential large-scale restoration efforts.
It’s already been a busy season for LG&E and KU crews, as tornadoes in March and April ripped through the company’s service territories, affecting thousands of customers. During both storm responses, crews repaired damaged equipment, including approximately 115 broken poles and 400 downed power lines -- with zero safety incidents -- to restore power for customers. Ongoing system enhancements and technology investments also aided their efforts.
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Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 335,000 natural gas and 436,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 545,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 28,000 customers in five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.
LG&E and KU line technicians restore power in Buckner, Kentucky after storms on April 2, 2024. Download image
