T&D
July 10 is annually recognized by the IBEW and utility partners as National Lineworker Appreciation Day, to honor the industrious men and women who keep electrical systems running. That date also marks the 130th anniversary of the death of Henry Miller, the IBEW founder and first president, who was working as a lineman in Washington, D.C. in 1896 when he suffered a fatal fall from a utility pole.
Lineworkers are the brave men and women who keep the electricity flowing often in the harshest of conditions. Their jobs are even more important in this time of increased load demand, whether from data centers or onshoring manufacturing. Without them, power would not flow to where it is needed.
In celebration of this special day, PUF Senior Advisor Paul Kjellander discussed what it is like to be a lineman with Rich Walje, who started his career in that occupation. Walje took a fascinating path from lineman to Rocky Mountain Power President, from which he is now retired.
In recognition of these important jobs, Kjellander also talked with a crew of lineworkers about what it is like out in the field. Idaho Power’s Jesse Allen, Kyle Bligh, and Isaiah Krohn talked about the why and how of their jobs.
Lineworker Appreciation conversations at fortnightly.com:
