- National Lineworker Appreciation Day, April 18, recognizes the men and women who power
the lives of millions across the country
- More than $1.8 million
invested in college lineworker programs to strengthen the
talent pipeline in Florida
ST.
PETERSBURG, Fla., April 11,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the energy industry continues
to evolve, one thing remains: The job of a lineworker is critical
to the safe and efficient delivery of power for customers now and
into the future. On April 18, Duke
Energy recognizes National Lineworker Appreciation Day and the
sacrifices, integrity and service of Florida's lineworkers.
"Lineworkers are among the first responders after storms and
other disasters and often work in the most challenging conditions
to make sure our communities, businesses, schools and hospitals
have safe, reliable power," said Jason
Williams, Duke Energy senior vice president of power grid
operations in Florida. "We are
grateful for those that have laid the foundation for current and
future lineworkers. These dedicated individuals play such a vital
role in maintaining and growing our energy infrastructure,
protecting public safety and keeping the lights on for our
customers."
Duke Energy employs more than 600 lineworkers across
Florida who construct, operate and
maintain the equipment that delivers electricity to approximately 2
million customers across its 13,000-square-mile territory in
Florida.
Whether then or now, lineworkers consider it a privilege to
serve their communities and they love what they do. For many, a
career as a lineworkers is steeped in personal, family and
professional tradition.
"I became a lineworker because I knew I would always have a job.
People always needed power," said Eddy
Lee, a 37-year retiree from Florida Power Corporation and
Progress Energy, Duke Energy's predecessor companies. When speaking
about his experience working as a lineworker in the central
Florida area from 1966-2004, Lee
said, "Service was No. 1."
Becoming a lineworker
Lineworkers receive an extensive progression of training over
several years. In most cases at each interval, both written and
field tests must be successfully completed to demonstrate expertise
and job knowledge.
Florida is fortunate to have a
network of local and state colleges that support entry-level craft
and skilled talent, which is critical to addressing the growing
needs of customers, the transition to cleaner energy, and the
modernization and strengthening of the grid.
To support this talent pipeline, Duke Energy and its foundation
have granted more than $1.8 million
since 2018, including $250,000 this
year, to five lineworker programs at Lake Sumter State College,
Valencia College, South Florida
State College, St. Petersburg College
and Seminole State College.
Last month, Duke Energy held its Lineman's Rodeo in Winter Garden, where competitors tested the
skills they rely on daily to restore power day and night – often in
unpredictable outdoor conditions. All three winning apprentices
were from lineworker programs supported by Duke Energy and its
foundation, which speaks to the extensive training and education
they receive.
Duke Energy line apprentice Alex
Guillen graduated from St. Petersburg
College and placed first in the overall apprentice category.
In October, he will compete against apprentices from across the
world at the International Lineman's Rodeo in Kansas.
"Going from EMS to linework, I'm still helping the community.
There's still that passion inside that says I want to help people,"
Guillen said of a transition from EMS to linework. Read more about
Alex's story in this illumination article.
National Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 18, but throughout the week Duke Energy and
its communities will be showing their appreciation of lineworkers.
To honor lineworkers and their families on social media on National
Lineworker Appreciation Day, please use the hashtag
#ThankALineworker.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK),
owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to
2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a
13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.
Media contact: Audrey Stasko
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter:
@DE_AudreyS
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SOURCE Duke Energy