The Power Behind Your Power – April 2022 CCL CEO Article
By Jim Herron, MVEA CEO
“Praise the Lord and a huge thank you to the MVEA lineworkers for getting our power restored.” – MVEA Member, following a winter storm on February 4, 2022.
If you were asked to associate an image or a person with Mountain View Electric Association, I bet you would picture a lineworker. As one of the most visible groups of co-op employees, lineworkers work tirelessly to ensure our community receives uninterrupted power 24/7, 365 days a year. Here at MVEA, our team of lineworkers upgrade and maintain over 6,200 miles of energized line across portions of eight counties in a 5,000 square mile service territory. It’s a big job — and, one they do exceptionally well.
“Lineworker” is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. This is understandable as they perform detailed tasks near high-voltage power lines. Regardless of the time of day, having to brave stormy weather and other challenging conditions, lineworkers may have to climb upwards of 40 feet in the air to repair critical infrastructure, often carrying heaving equipment to get the job done. It’s not a job for everyone, but it is a job that impacts the quality of life of everyone. That is a lot of responsibility, and our dedicated team of lineworkers take great pride in serving our co-op membership and stepping up to the challenge when the going gets tough.
Being a lineworker is not a glamorous or easy profession. It takes years of specialized training, ongoing education, dedication and, equally important, a sense of service and commitment. How else can you explain the willingness to leave the comfort of your home to tackle a challenging job in difficult conditions, when most are sheltering comfortably at home? This dedication and sense of service to the community is truly what sets them apart. That’s why we set aside the second Monday in April to celebrate the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Lineworker Appreciation Day. It’s a great opportunity to come together to celebrate and recognize the men and women who work around the clock to keep the lights on.
While lineworkers may be the most visible employees out in the field at MVEA, it’s also important to note that there is a team of highly skilled professionals working behind the scenes. Engineers and staking technicians provide ongoing expertise and guidance on the operations side of the co-op. Member service representatives are always standing by to take your calls and questions. Our information technology experts are continuously monitoring our system to help safeguard sensitive data. These are just a few of the folks who work together to ensure we can deliver the service and reliability you expect and deserve from your electric co-op. Without them, our lineworkers could not “bring the light” to our community.
It goes without saying that our dedicated lineworkers deserve all the appreciation and accolades that come their way on Lineworker Appreciation Day, and every day. Please join us on April 11, and any time you see an MVEA lineworker, in thanking them for their exceptional service. Please visit our Thank a Lineworker or scan that QR code in the image below to send a thank you note to help us honor MVEA’s dedicated lineworkers. After all, lineworkers are the power behind your power.
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