It’s no secret that a lineworker’s job is tough––but it’s an essential job. It must be done, often in challenging conditions. On Monday, April 10, we observe Lineworker Appreciation Day.
The work can be heavy in more ways than one. A lineworker’s equipment and tools can weigh up to 50 pounds, and that’s the same as carrying six gallons of water when our line workers climb poles ranging from 30 to 120 feet tall. 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 genuinely take a toll.
Being a lineworker is listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. They often work non-traditional hours outdoors under challenging conditions. While the job does not require a college degree, it does require technical skills, years of training, and hands-on learning. Becoming a journeyman line worker can take more than 7,000 hours of training. Working with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience, and ongoing mental toughness. Shortcuts are not an option, and this line of work has no room for error.
UCEMC lineworkers are committed to powering our local community despite the many challenges. During severe weather events that bring major power outages, lineworkers are among the first ones called. They must be ready to leave the comfort of their home and families unexpectedly, and they don’t return until the job is done, often days later. That’s why the
lineworker’s family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community. Nationwide, there are approximately 120,000 electric lineworkers.
In the Upper Cumberland, UCEMC has 66 line workers responsible for keeping power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year. They maintain approximately 5,000 miles of power lines across eleven counties. In addition to the apparent tasks line workers perform, the job goes far beyond climbing utility poles to repair a wire. Today’s lineworkers are information experts who pinpoint power outages from miles away. Line crews now use laptops, tablets, drones, and other technologies to map outages, survey damage, and troubleshoot problems.
Being a line worker is essential to the life of our community. Without these hardworking employees’ exceptional dedication and commitment, we would not have the reliable electricity we need for everyday life. Line workers are the power behind our power year-round. Please thank a line worker on Monday, April 10, for their work and keeping the power flowing.
