Whatever it takes: a lineworker's commitment
April 1, 2024
Linemen are an essential part of the workforce. They keep electricity flowing into homes and businesses and play a vital role in maintaining the electrical system to ensure power is delivered reliably and safely. Linemen often work long hours out of the spotlight, but I hope you will join me on April 8, Lineworker Appreciation Day, to “shine a light” on their extraordinary commitment.
Most people know linework is dangerous because linemen work near high-voltage electricity daily. It’s a demanding job that requires intense focus, training and sacrifice. The physical expectations are challenging—loading heavy materials, climbing poles and in and out of buckets. The environment often adds to those physical challenges with service interruptions typically occurring when the weather is at its worst. Linemen are often working in storms, extreme heat and cold, in the dark or on the side of the road. It’s dangerous, but that’s what they are trained to do.
Linemen undergo years of training. Most begin their careers as a groundsman, helping crews with tools and keeping job sites safe. They then transition to apprentice status, which typically spans four years and about 7,000 hours of training. Once they reach the level of journeyman lineman, they are considered fully-trained in their field. But their education is ongoing in order for them to stay up-to-date with the most current safety requirements, equipment and procedures.
Linemen are the first responders of our workforce when storms and other emergencies occur. They respond at all hours of the day or night, often in hazardous conditions and away from their families. They miss holiday events, ball games, birthday parties and family dinners for the sake of helping our community get the lights on and restoring life back to normal.
Despite the challenges, the commitment of Palmetto Electric’s linemen shines through in the pride they have for the work they do and the bond that they share with one another. I am proud of PEC’s culture of trust, teamwork and service that is focused on keeping our employees safe and the lights on for our members.
At Palmetto Electric, we are proud of the linemen that will do whatever it takes to serve our members. Their commitment is something that should be applauded, not only on Lineworker Appreciation Day, but every day.
A. Berl Davis Jr.
President and CEO