Electric utility line workers have tough jobs. Not only must they jump into action to fix the grid when the weather outside is at its worst, their jobs are becoming increasingly difficult as the electric grid expands and modernizes to accommodate the additional amounts of renewable energy capacity being added to it.
April 18 is National Lineman Appreciation Day. If you see them out and about, be sure to give them your thanks. What follows are some trends impacting the linemen jobs.
Renewable Energy
As more and more cities and states set targets for transitioning to clean energy, electric utilities are having to adapt their infrastructure to accommodate sources like wind and solar power. This requires linemen and linewomen to have more specialized training and equipment to install and maintain the necessary transmission lines and other infrastructure.
Natural Disasters
Additionally, with the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, linemen and linewomen are being called upon to work longer hours and in more hazardous conditions than ever before. This has led to a greater emphasis on safety training and protocols, as well as increased use of protective gear and equipment.
Digitalization
On the flip side, lineworker jobs are becoming more digital. Digital tools in the field help with back-office communication and can often save utilities money – however, they require new skillsets that workers must adopt.
In addition, the increasing use of automation and robotics in utility maintenance and repair means, for example, drones are being used to inspect power lines and detect potential problems before they become major issues. This technology reduces the amount of time linemen and linewomen have to spend working at dangerous heights, and can improve overall safety and efficiency.
Despite changing job conditions, lineworkers are reported to have high levels of job satisfaction mostly because the work can be challenging, rewarding, and offers a sense of accomplishment when they are able to restore power to customers in a timely and efficient manner. In addition to the sense of purpose and accomplishment that comes with this work, linemen often enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, job security, and opportunities for career advancement within the utility industry.
Utility recognition
Most utilities in the U.S. take the time to #ThankaLineman” on April 18 and a few examples follow.
Duke Energy on April 18 announced that its foundation is giving a $50,000 grant to the Electrical Lineworker Program at St. Petersburg College (SPC) to help meet the energy industry’s future workforce needs.
Throughout the entire month of April, PNM customers can visit PNM.com/ThankALineman and fill out a thank you note for PNM crews.
“I’m extremely proud of the work our linemen do every day,” said Pat Vincent-Collawn, Chairperson and CEO for PNM. “They work hard, and in tough situations, to make sure our communities have power. Also, they don’t always get the ‘Thank you” that they deserve so I’m excited to see the support and kind words they get from our community through our Lineman Website.”
