Keeping the Lights On

Lineman around the state honored through Lineman Appreciation events.

Today, Friday, April 13, 2018, Governor Matt Mead signed into Proclamation, Lineman Appreciation Day. With snow falling and the wind blowing it could not have been more of an appropriate day to thank these men and women. There were linemen present from many companies today, including, Black Hills Energy, Rocky Mountain Power, Basin Electric, High Plains Power, and Carbon Power and Light. High West Energy had men out working on power lines as this proclamation was being signed.

Governor Mead said, “People don’t know what it’s like until the lights go off. Many of us take what you do for granted. I can’t express my appreciation enough for what you and linemen around the state do. We understand that the job you do is a dangerous job. Regardless of the conditions. Without the job you do, the state doesn’t run.”

Men and women work hard day and night to ensure that the lights stay on. From the power plant, to the power lines both above and underground and the meters on our homes, these men and women build and maintain the system that keeps our nation running.

This week, many were celebrated and thanked through appreciation events. High West Energy (HWE) celebrated on Tuesday with an appreciation breakfast. Staff cooked and served the lineman.

Karl Zerck, Lineman with HWE since 2014, said, “This breakfast is our company’s way of showing their gratitude toward the linemen and everything we do for the company.”Jamie Fowler, HWE board member said this about celebrating the linemen, “It’s important to take care of these guys. They are out there 24, 7, 365 – no matter what the weather is.”

Regardless of the source, electricity has to be transported by transformers and other equipment. Due to the dangerous conditions that power poses, safety is of utmost importance for the lineman. Remember as you turn your lights on tonight, cook your family their next meal, charge the device you are reading this on…it’s because of a lineman that you are able to do this.

For Ken Haas, HWE Operations Manager, the appreciation breakfast is important. “We are thanking them for what they do. They’re on call, 365, 24, 7. There’s a lot of days when everyone else is sleeping, they’re out working.”

April 18 is designated as National Lineman Appreciation Day.

This day was first recognized on April 18, 2013, by the U.S. Senate by Resolution S Res 95.  For more information on National Lineman Appreciation Day visit www.nationallinemanappreciationday.com.

Take a moment today to thank a lineman for the work they do. Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support for the men and women who keep the lights on.