Communities across the country are marking National Lineman Appreciation Day, a day set aside to recognize the lineworkers who build, maintain and repair the power grid—often in dangerous conditions and at all hours—so homes, hospitals, schools and businesses can stay energized.
Observed annually on April 18, the day highlights a workforce that is frequently out of sight until storms, vehicle crashes or equipment failures knock out service. Linemen and linewomen respond in heat, cold, rain and high winds—working from bucket trucks, climbing poles and operating heavy equipment—while following strict safety procedures around high-voltage lines.
Beyond emergency restoration, line crews handle year-round tasks that help prevent outages: replacing aging poles, upgrading transformers, setting new services for growing neighborhoods, trimming vegetation near lines, and inspecting equipment to keep the system reliable. Their work also supports broadband and communications infrastructure in many rural areas, where utility corridors often carry multiple critical services.
Becoming a lineworker typically requires specialized schooling or an apprenticeship, with extensive instruction in electrical theory, climbing and rescue, equipment operation and jobsite safety. During major events—such as tornadoes, hurricanes and ice storms—utilities often rely on mutual aid, bringing in crews from other regions to speed restoration and share expertise.
Locally, crews with Jackson Energy have responded in recent months to ice storms, snow storms, and rain/wind storms, restoring power across Jackson County and the surrounding region while coordinating traffic control, tree removal and repairs. Utility officials said the job can be physically demanding and mentally intense, particularly when outages affect vulnerable residents and critical facilities.
Jackson Energy reported, “They climb higher. Work longer. And face risks most of us never see". As National Lineman Appreciation Day approaches on April 18th, we want to recognize our dedicated PRTC linemen who keep our communities connected—no matter the conditions.
Thank you Tim Harris, Jarvis Norman, Nathan Lyons, Christian Collins, Tyrone Harrison, Kyle Powell, and Chase Carroll. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.
Officials also used the occasion to remind the public that every downed line should be treated as energized. Residents are urged to keep a safe distance, call 911 or their utility to report hazards, and avoid driving over fallen wires. During outages, portable generators should be used outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
National Lineman Appreciation Day is a chance for customers to thank the crews who respond when conditions are at their worst. A simple note of appreciation, patience during restoration work, and giving crews room to operate safely are small gestures that support the people working to bring power back—one pole, one span and one neighborhood at a time.
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