WASHINGTON (September 02, 2026) — This Labor Day, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is honoring the workers who power the energy of every day. In a new video, lineworkers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) speak in their own words about their careers, describing a job defined by grit, long hours, and a deep sense of purpose.

"It's our job — no matter the conditions — to get everybody's lights back on," said Michael Powers, President, IBEW Local 70. "You have to be motivated, determined, and you've got to be tough," added Sheldon Williams, crew leader for IBEW Local 1900. For many, the reward is simple and personal: "I love being outside, helping people, making things right," said Richard Dawson, crew leader for IBEW Local 1900. The video closes with a message of gratitude: "To America's lineworkers and crews — thank you for keeping us powered."

Around the clock and in the toughest conditions, these skilled men and women build and strengthen the grid that serves as the backbone of our economy — and when storms, hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters strike, they are the first ones out, working tirelessly to restore power to the customers and communities that depend on them

"Labor Day is a celebration of the American worker and the dedication of the labor movement — and few workers embody that spirit better than America's lineworkers," said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney. "Alongside our partners at the IBEW, UWUA, and USW, we are proud to honor their grit, their skill, and their unwavering commitment to keeping America powered."

By the Numbers: America's Electric Power Workforce

• 100,000+ electrical lineworkers maintain and strengthen America's energy grid against a range of threats.
• 7 million+ American jobs supported by the electric power industry — about 5% of all U.S. jobs.
• +1.7 jobs in U.S. communities supported by each electric power industry job.
• $1.4 trillion in planned investment over the next five years to build new critical energy infrastructure.
• Up to 30 million energy jobs to be filled over the next 10 years.
• ~10% of the industry workforce consists of military veterans — well above the national average.
• Nearly 250 million Americans depend on investor-owned electric companies and their workforce to power their lives.

A Growing Industry, A Growing Workforce

Investor-owned electric companies are key drivers of job growth in the United States, building critical energy infrastructure, delivering affordable and reliable energy, and strengthening America's national and economic security. As new and innovative technologies drive electricity demand, the industry is working to attract and develop more workers with STEM backgrounds and technical skills for increasingly technical energy careers.

To build that pipeline, EEI works with the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) and partners across government, labor, schools, and the private sector to align skills training with industry needs, develop the next generation of energy workers, and connect people to long, fulfilling, good-paying careers. EEI also creates industry-specific employment tests to help member companies build a pipeline of qualified employees and high-performing teams — with dedicated support for veterans through the Troops to Energy Jobs forum and the Veterans in Energy resource group.

Partnering With Organized Labor

These efforts are carried out hand-in-hand with organized labor, including the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), UWUA,  USW, and North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU). A strong labor-management partnership fosters a highly skilled workforce, strong safety practices, and a shared commitment to serving customers and communities. Through the National Labor and Management Public Affairs Committee (LAMPAC), EEI regularly convenes industry and organized labor leaders at the national and regional levels, giving the industry a shared and powerful voice to advocate for policies that support grid resilience, safety, and other key priorities.

This Labor Day, join EEI in thanking America's lineworkers.