As we do every year on July 10, EEI observed National Lineworker Appreciation Day together with our labor partners: the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA).

The annual National Lineworker Appreciation Day honors the life and work of Henry Miller, the first IBEW president, and our nation’s nearly 75,000 electrical lineworkers, who often work around the clock and in dangerous conditions following hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, winter storms, and other extreme weather events to ensure that the customers and the communities they serve have access to safe and reliable electricity. Lineworkers also maintain and enhance the energy grid and play a critical role in delivering America’s resilient clean energy future.

“EEI and our member companies salute our industry’s lineworkers,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “No matter the obstacles, these brave men and women always rise to the challenge, and I commend their commitment to restore power safely and as quickly as possible for our customers and our communities. Our nation’s lineworkers are heroes, and we applaud them for their tremendous work.”

EEI and our partners were proud to stand alongside the more than 135 members of Congress who observed this year’s National Lineworker Appreciation Day by co-sponsoring a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring America’s lineworkers.

Read a joint op-ed by NECA CEO David Long, UWUA President James Slevin, IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson, and EEI President Tom Kuhn. Learn more about the electric power industry’s dedicated, talented workforce on EEI’s website. Explore lineworker jobs and other careers in energy at the Center for Energy Workforce Development’s website, GetIntoEnergy.com. Learn more about lineworkers—and show your gratitude—by checking out #ThankALineworker on social media.