April 18 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day

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Dear Editor:

While we don’t need an official date to say thank you, April 18 marks National Lineworker Appreciation Day.

Our Indiana lineworkers support economic growth by helping expand power infrastructure that powers our communities. They install new power lines, transformers and other equipment. They also often work in challenging conditions, including extreme weather and heights, to restore power and keep our communities running.

Their commitment was evident just two weeks ago when storms that caused high winds and flooding swept through Duke Energy’s Indiana service territory. The damage was widespread, but our lineworkers restored power to 100,000 customers quickly.

One of our amazing Hoosier lineworkers who worked during those storms had this to say, when asked about what he does for a living:

“It’s a rewarding and purposeful job when you can get the lights back on for customers. My kids don’t always want me to leave, but when people are out of power, they understand, and they are proud of their dad.”

Duke Energy line teams are making the grid stronger and more reliable to better serve customers. The next time you flip on the lights, thank a lineworker.

Mark LaBarr

Mark LaBarr is the government and community relations manager for Duke Energy in Hamilton County.