By Amanda Anderson
La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is proud to celebrate National Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, recognizing the dedication and hard work of the lineworkers who play a crucial role in powering our communities. National Lineworker Appreciation Day is a time to honor the men and women who work tirelessly to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity to homes, businesses, and essential services across the nation. These skilled professionals often work in challenging conditions, braving inclement weather and hazardous situations to keep the lights on for their members.
“We are incredibly grateful for the commitment and expertise of our lineworkers,” said Graham Smith, Interim CEO of LPEA. “They are the backbone of our organization, working around the clock to maintain our infrastructure and respond swiftly to outages. Their dedication to service is truly commendable.”
Line crews at LPEA play a vital role in supporting daily member needs while spearheading projects aimed at modernizing and fortifying the electrical grid. These efforts not only enhance reliability and resiliency but also facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources while bolstering cybersecurity and safeguarding against physical threats. In addition to their technical expertise, lineworkers embody a spirit of camaraderie and solidarity, supporting each other and their communities in times of need. Their work is essential not only for powering homes and businesses but also for enabling countless other services that rely on electricity.
In addition to their strategic initiatives, lineworkers at LPEA are responsible for ensuring uninterrupted power supply to critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools, as well as ski areas and everyday home conveniences. With safety as their paramount concern, lineworkers navigate through challenging conditions including snowstorms, lightning, wind, rain, and extreme heat or cold. They remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering essential services, performing hands-on work during high-stress situations and their aftermath to ensure the continued welfare of members and communities alike.
Jerry Sutherlin, VP of Operations, remarked, “At LPEA, we not only recognize the invaluable contributions of our lineworkers but also actively support the next generation of aspiring lineworkers. We offer scholarships for anyone considering a lineworker career. These scholarships provide financial support and educational opportunities for individuals who are passionate about serving their communities and ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity. We believe in investing in the future of our industry and empowering individuals to pursue fulfilling careers as lineworkers.”
As part of the National Lineworker Appreciation Day celebration, LPEA hosted a breakfast to honor its lineworkers, including a special recognition ceremony. “We invite the community to join us in expressing appreciation for our lineworkers,” added Smith. “Their dedication and commitment to service are truly inspiring, and we are proud to recognize their invaluable contributions to our community.”
LPEA encourages community members to show their support for lineworkers by saying “thank you” if you see them out in the field or by using the hashtag #ThankALineworker on social media and taking a moment to express gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
Amanda Anderson is Strategic Communications Officer for LPEA.