The vast and intricate U.S. power grid is made up of 7,300 power plants, nearly 160,000 miles of high-voltage power lines, and millions of miles of low-voltage power lines and distribution transformers, connecting 145 million customers throughout the country, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This expansive network requires constant maintenance to run smoothly, a responsibility that falls on the shoulders of some of the most important yet often overlooked professionals in the energy sector: Electrical Lineworkers.
Electrical lineworkers keep our homes, businesses, and public spaces powered and connected, come rain or shine – and any other kind of weather! This is no small feat, making it one of the most rewarding and challenging careers in the building trades.
So, what does a lineworker do from day to day? What is involved in installing, maintaining, and repairing the lines that provide one of our most critical resources? Let’s take a peek into a day in the life of a lineworker.
The Early Start: Pre-Dawn Preparation
A lineworker's day often begins before the sun rises. The first task of the day is a thorough check of their equipment and vehicle. Safety is paramount in this profession, so lineworkers meticulously inspect their personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and the utility truck to ensure everything is in working order. This preparation is crucial for preventing accidents and making sure that the day's work can be carried out efficiently.
The Morning Briefing: Safety First
Following equipment checks, lineworkers attend a morning briefing. This meeting is essential for discussing the day's tasks, highlighting any specific safety concerns, and coordinating teams. Safety protocols are rigorously reviewed, and the work plan is laid out, detailing which power lines need maintenance or repair and any new installations that are scheduled. This briefing ensures that every team member is on the same page and fully aware of the day's objectives and unique challenges.
In the Field: Maintenance and Repairs
The bulk of a lineworker's day is spent in the field. Tasks can range from routine maintenance of power lines and poles to responding to emergency calls for repairs. Maintenance work is critical for preventing outages and involves inspecting lines, replacing old or damaged equipment, and ensuring that trees, branches, vines, and other vegetation are cleared from around power lines.
Emergency repairs can be the most challenging aspect of the job, requiring incredible amounts of skill, expertise, and bravery. Whether it's restoring power after a storm or fixing downed lines, lineworkers must work quickly and safely to resolve issues. This work often requires climbing poles or operating bucket trucks to reach high-voltage lines, all while adhering to strict safety standards to protect themselves and the public.
Weathering the Elements: The Unseen Challenge
One of the most significant challenges lineworkers face is the weather. They work outdoors in all conditions – heat, rain, snow, or wind – because electrical issues don't wait for good weather. In fact, electrical issues are often caused by severe weather and natural disasters, and lineworkers are first on the scene when wind/rain/hail/snowstorms strike, day or night. So, while most days are “typical days,” lineworkers never know when they’re going to have to spring into action. Their ability and willingness to work through even the toughest conditions is a testament to lineworkers’ resilience and dedication to their jobs and their communities.
The Reward: Keeping Communities Powered
Despite the physical demands and risks associated with their job, lineworkers find great satisfaction in their work. The most rewarding moments come from knowing that they have restored power to a community after an outage, particularly in emergency situations. The gratitude from the community and the knowledge that they've helped keep people safe and our businesses, schools, and lives running are powerful motivators. Additionally, there's a deep sense of camaraderie among lineworkers, built on top of the shared challenges and successes of their work.
A day in the life of a lineworker is long, physically demanding, and full of challenges. Yet, these skilled professionals approach their tasks with a commitment to safety, efficiency, and community service and enjoy a deep sense of pride and purpose. They wake up each day knowing that no matter what the day holds, their work matters - a lot! They are the unsung heroes who keep our modern world running safely and smoothly.
If you’re considering a career in this vital trade, remember: becoming a lineworker is not just about building lines; it's about constructing the future, one line at a time.
Think you have what it takes to be a lineworker? Interested in joining the ranks of these brave women and men who light up our world? Learn more about how to get started with an electrical apprenticeship today!
