In the quite hours before dawn break, while many of us are still in our beds, lineworkers begin their day. They are often clad in flame-resistant clothing, hard hats, safety glasses, rubber gloves and thick, heavy boots - gear they might still be wearing hours after the rest of us have returned home from our jobs.
They are the individuals who epitomize dedication to service in its purest form. It's no wonder that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster recognized and thanked our state's electric cooperative linemen during his State of the State address earlier this year. This month is also an opportunity to reflect on the essential role they play in our daily lives as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on Monday, April 14.
Amid towering utility poles and power lines, lineworkers exhibit a strength that goes far beyond the physical. Whether battling inclement weather, troubleshooting technical problems or navigation treacherous heights, lineworkers demonstrate resilience and a quite determination to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable and our communities connected.
Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative crews travel across our five-county service territory, building, maintaining and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational and emergency services remain accessible - a lifeline that connects us all.
In moments of crisis, when the lights go out and we find ourselves in the dark, lineworkers act swiftly. Their response restores normalcy, offering reassurance in times of uncertainty. Whether repairing storm-ravaged power lines or ensuring continuity during emergencies, their commitment shines when we need it most.
There is no better example of their dedication than how Blue Ridge linemen responded in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation in our area. They worked long, exhausting days with little rest until the last outage was restored across our service territory.
Our lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles; no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.
This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men and women who ensure reliable power, let's recognize their dedication to the local communities they serve.
The next time you flip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible - lineworkers, who are wired for service and illuminating life.
Jim Lovinggood
President and CEO