From the April issue of The Tennessee Magazine, "Between the Lines" written by SVEC President/CEO Mike Partin

News From Your Community 

THE POWER BEHIND YOUR POWER 

You’ve likely noticed Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative’s crews out and about, working on power lines and other electrical equipment in our community. It’s no secret that a lineworker’s job is tough — but it’s a job that’s essential and must be done, often in challenging conditions. This month, as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on Monday, April 11, I thought I’d share with you some interesting facts about electric lineworkers.

The work can be heavy — in more ways than one. Did you know that the equipment and tools a lineworker carries while climbing a utility pole can weigh up to 50 pounds? That’s the same as carrying 6 gallons of water. Speaking of utility poles, lineworkers are required to climb poles ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 feet tall.

Lineworkers must be committed to their career — because it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. The long hours and ever-present danger can truly take a toll. In fact, being a lineworker is listed among the 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S.

Lineworkers often work nontraditional hours, outdoors and in difficult conditions. While the job does not require a college degree, it does require technical skills, years of training and hands-on learning.

 Did you know that becoming a journeyman lineworker can take more than 7,000 hours of training (or about four years)? That’s because working with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and an ongoing mental toughness. Shortcuts are not an option, and there is no room for error in this line of work.

Despite the many challenges, Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative’s lineworkers are committed to powering our local community. During severe weather events that bring major power outages, lineworkers must accept that they might have to unexpectedly leave their families and the comfort of their homes, and they don’t return until the job is done.

That’s why the lineworker’s family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community.

Nationwide, there are approximately 120,000 electric lineworkers. Here in the Sequatchie Valley and surrounding mountains of the Cumberland Plateau, SVEC’s professional lineworkers are responsible for keeping power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year. To do this, they maintain more than 3,100 miles of power lines across all or portions of eight counties, covering about 1,430 square miles. In addition to the highly visible tasks lineworkers perform, their job today goes far beyond climbing utility poles to repair a wire. Today’s lineworkers are information experts who can pinpoint power outages from miles away. Line crews now use laptops, tablets, drones and other technologies to map outages, survey damage and troubleshoot problems.

Being a lineworker is absolutely essential to the life of our community. Without the exceptional dedication and commitment of these hardworking men and women, we simply would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life.

So, the next time you see lineworkers, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. After all, lineworkers are the power behind your power. Please join us as we recognize them on April 11, and follow “#ThankALineworker” on social media to see how others are recognizing lineworkers.