It’s Always The Season for Lineworker Appreciation
As we thaw from winter this month, I move that we jump ahead and look to April. In the electric co-op world, April’s showers are of a different sort. We rain praise this month on a group of employees most identified with keeping the lights on—lineworkers.
I want to be clear: SVEC achieves our mission of providing safe and reliable electricity at the best possible value thanks to a whole host of departments, too many to rattle off here. The flow of electrons touches many hands, even if not always in a literal sense. But we know lineworkers have a particular place in the public’s heart because they are a first responder in my definition, endeared as heroes restoring electric service and powering everyday lives of Valley residents. April is their month for special recognition, highlighted by National Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, as set for many years now by Congress.
An aspect of their job that can be easily overlooked is the preparation and dedication required, day or night, all year round, in whatever elements Mother Nature has in store. Blizzards, heat waves and even a storm phenomenon we learned to be called a “derecho” are all challenges our crews have faced over the years. They almost welcome the test of their grit and wit.
Lineworkers are problem solvers. They must think quickly on their feet, ready for the unknown.
They are equally well schooled in how to handle any situation. At SVEC, they undergo four years of training, to include hundreds of hours in the field and dozens of written exams, before they are officially designated as qualified to work all aspects of the distribution system as first-class lineworkers.
They are a rare breed, in every complimentary sense of the phrase. Lineworkers will give each other a hard time but never stop looking out for one another. They miss holidays, birthdays and many other special occasions because they love their work, which could put them 100 feet in the air in a bucket truck or at an underground transformer cabinet full of snakes. That last part is true, as I witnessed that one firsthand and was very glad I was not in their shoes that day.
Electricity is often taken for granted yet immediately missed when it goes out. Lineworkers deserve appreciation for their part in providing an essential service. You don’t have to wait until April to express it.
SVEC maintains over 8,000 miles of electric lines and serves over 103,000 meters in the counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Highland (all), Page (all), Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren, and the city of Winchester (all). This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. SVEC supports our armed services and veterans in employment opportunities.
Learn more about how lineworkers restore power at www.svec.coop/restoration.
