Duke Energy celebrates National Lineworker Appreciation Day
On April 18, Duke Energy celebrates National Lineworker Appreciation Day – a day to recognize the service, commitment, and sacrifices of lineworkers; team members who are critical to ensuring customers have access to safe and reliable electricity.
Lineworkers provide an invaluable service to communities. Among the first to respond after storms to help ensure public safety, they frequently work in challenging conditions including extreme weather and heights to restore power and keep the lights on.
“Our customers live and work in some of the most vibrant, fastest-growing areas of the country,” said Scott Batson, senior vice president and chief power grid officer. “Duke Energy can efficiently meet current and future energy needs in large part due to our trusted line teams’ commitment to safety and excellence, and we value their work immensely.”
Lineworkers support the growth of industries and businesses in Duke Energy’s service areas in Indiana by helping build and expand power infrastructure. Line technicians install new power lines, transformers, and other equipment to reliably accommodate growth. This work is increasingly important as communities continue to grow and new and existing businesses expand.
In Indiana, lineworkers recently restored power to nearly 100,000 customers affected by storms and flooding during the first week of April.
“It’s a rewarding job and a purposeful job when you can get the lights back on for customers,” said Chase Nickell, journeyman lineworker for Duke Energy Indiana. “My kids don’t always want me to leave, but when people are out of power, they understand, and they are proud of their dad.”
In total, more than 10,000 Duke Energy and contract lineworkers, including substation and relay technicians, make up Duke Energy’s lineworker team in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest. Substation technicians manage energy distribution at substations, while relay technicians test electrical equipment to ensure reliable power distribution.
Since 2020, the Duke Energy Foundation has committed more than $3.3 million in grant funding to support lineworker programs and participants across its service territories.
The demand for lineworkers continues to grow as Duke Energy engages in more grid and infrastructure improvement projects. The company works with and recruits from 22 community college lineworker training programs throughout its service areas.