North Wake News

Duke Energy is preparing to honor the contributions of their lineworkers on National Lineworker Appreciation Day, observed annually on April 18. The day serves to acknowledge the essential work of lineworkers, who are vital in delivering safe and reliable electricity to customers and are typically among the first responders during storms and other emergencies.

"Lineworkers provide an invaluable service to communities. Among the first to respond after storms to help ensure public safety, they frequently work in challenging conditions including extreme weather and heights to restore power and keep the lights on."

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024, highlighted the significant role of lineworkers. The storm led to more than 3.1 million customer outages across the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest. In response, 23,000 field personnel from over 19 states and Canada collaborated to restore electricity, including replacing 14,000 power poles and 9 million feet of wire.

Since 2020, the Duke Energy Foundation has allocated over $3.3 million in grants to support training programs for lineworkers, reflecting the growing demand for this occupation. The company partners with 22 community colleges offering lineworker training programs.

Duke Energy's senior vice president and chief power grid officer, Scott Batson, emphasized, "Our customers live and work in some of the most vibrant, fastest-growing areas of the country. Duke Energy can efficiently meet current and future energy needs in large part due to our trusted line teams’ commitment to safety and excellence, and we value their work immensely."

Duke Energy lineworkers shared their experiences and dedication to their roles. Suzy Macke, a trouble technician lineworker in Florida, said, "The feeling of restoring power to communities who have been severely impacted by storms and storm damage is like nothing else you will ever experience in a job."

Journeyman lineworker Chase Nickell from Indiana remarked, "It’s a rewarding job and a purposeful job when you can get the lights back on for customers."

In Kentucky and Ohio, journeyman lineworker Alex Downton noted, "Lineworkers are like a family, and I love the people that I work with."

Apprentice lineworker Harrison Cochran from North Carolina expressed pride in his work, noting, "Working for Duke Energy is really rewarding and has given my colleagues and I so much gratitude to be able to help our customers and get the power back on."

Rikki Terry, a journeyman lineworker in South Carolina, highlighted the team's dedication, stating, "Besides safety, there is nothing that takes priority over getting the lights back on."

Duke Energy remains committed to upgrading the electric grid and implementing cleaner generation methods. The company serves approximately 8.6 million electric customers and 1.7 million natural gas customers across several states.

For more information, visit Duke Energy's official website and news center.