Letter: Thank lineworkers who are first responders after storms, power outages

Lineworkers deserve thanks from all of us

While most people take shelter when severe weather looms, lineworkers gear up and prepare to head out. They are among the first responders after storms and other catastrophic events, often making the scene safe for other public safety heroes. While their responsibility is enormous, their commitment to the job — and their communities — looms even larger.   

Customer needs and safety always come first at Duke Energy, but it’s our lineworkers who are in the trenches — through lightning, wind, ice and even extreme heat and cold. They work diligently through high-stress situations and the aftermath, including sometimes widespread power outages. If you had a conversation with any of them today, they’d tell you that nothing satisfies them more in their work than helping get the lights back on for their customers.   

National Lineworker Appreciation Day (NLAD) on April 18 recognized utility lineworkers nationwide and their commitments to safety and ensuring electricity is flowing for those who depend on it. Please join me in thanking our state’s lineworkers for their commitment to powering Indiana communities and building an increasingly resilient energy grid that can withstand severe weather threats. We hope you will join us and #ThankALineworker in our community. 

Liz Irwin, government and community relations manager, Duke Energy