Duke Energy will mark National Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18. This day is dedicated to recognizing the vital role that lineworkers play in maintaining safe and reliable electricity supplies for the company’s customers. Lineworkers are often the first responders during power outages, and they work in hazardous conditions to ensure public safety during such events.
The lineworkers’ efforts are significant to Duke Energy’s operations in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest, where they help in the expansion of power infrastructure to match growth in communities and businesses. Their duties include installing power lines and transformers and ensuring the infrastructure can support increasing demand.
In 2024, Hurricane Helene was a major event requiring a substantial response from Duke Energy. The hurricane caused over 3.1 million customer outages across the service areas. In the Carolinas alone, the restoration effort included 23,000 personnel from various states and Canada. They replaced thousands of power poles and miles of wire to restore services.
Today, more than 10,000 individuals, including contract lineworkers, substation technicians, and relay technicians, form Duke Energy’s lineworker team. These teams have seen increased demand driven by ongoing grid improvements. Duke Energy collaborates with 22 community colleges to recruit new workers.
“Our customers live and work in some of the most vibrant, fastest-growing areas of the country,” said Scott Batson, Duke Energy’s senior vice president and chief power grid officer. Suzy Macke, a lineworker in Florida, expressed that restoring power to storm-impacted communities is fulfilling. Chase Nickell of Indiana noted that linework is meaningful and appreciated by his family, despite the demands. Alex Downton from Kentucky and Ohio highlighted the familial culture among lineworkers at Duke Energy, and Harrison Cochran from North Carolina emphasized the rewarding nature of their work. Rikki Terry from South Carolina echoed the priority they place on restoring power.
Duke Energy is recognized as one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company serves millions of customers and is focused on advancing the energy transition with an emphasis on grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources.
Further details and multimedia content about Duke Energy and their lineworkers can be accessed through their various online platforms and social media channels. For more information, contact Logan Stewart at the numbers provided.
