Electric membership corporations (EMCs) in Georgia banded together April 14 to celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, paying tribute to electric lineworkers across the state.
To recognize lineworkers and their dedication to the communities they serve, two resolutions were introduced this year in the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate to mark the occasion on April 14.
House Resolution 432 was introduced by House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Chairman Don Parsons (R–Marietta). Senate Resolution 261 was introduced by Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Chairman Bill Cowsert (R– Athens).
“Electric lineworkers are the unsung heroes who bring light back to communities after the storm has passed,” said Dennis Chastain, president of Georgia EMC. “In the wake of storms and disasters, their tireless efforts restore not only power but also hope and resilience to those who need it most.”
Recent storms in the southeast have illustrated the importance of lineworkers in recovery efforts. In particular, power restoration following Hurricane Helene brought together hundreds of lineworkers from EMCs in 12 states to restore power to 435,000 EMC members in Georgia. While several EMCs had to rebuild nearly their entire distribution systems, which took more than 80 years to construct, the majority of the work was completed within three weeks’ time.
In addition to Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 14, Georgia’s lineworkers were also celebrated by Senate Pro Tempore John Kennedy (R-Bolingbroke) on Tuesday, March 11. Senator Kennedy honored over a hundred lineworkers across Georgia by recognizing them on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol for their efforts and dedication during last year’s storm restoration efforts.
