Most electric  customers are grateful for the service that keeps their homes and businesses humming along month after month through the heat of the summer and the biting cold of our Indiana winters. But most rarely think about the individuals who make that service possible. 

In a day when we depend on it so much, losing power has become a jarring experience for many people. It’s when we’re forced to operate by candlelight or looking for portable chargers for our cell phones, that our thoughts sometimes turn to the lineworkers who work to right outages. These skilled technicians are often out on weekends or in the dark, giving up time with their own loved ones as they repair damaged lines. 

Other times, they may be on the road providing assistance to other electric cooperatives in the aftermath of a storm. This was the case a few weeks ago when some of our crew members helped a neighboring co-op after an ice storm crippled their service. Lineworkers also complete tasks during the time between storms by maintaining electric lines, installing new infrastructure and contributing to their communities. 

For example, LaGrange County REMC lineworkers recently helped hang Christmas lights in Howe. Crews also installed poles at local soccer fields with nets added to keep balls from going across U.S. 20. Lineworkers have also been putting in new poles and updating existing ones to accommodate new fiber optic lines.

The work lineworkers put in year-round makes it possible not only for us to maintain our existing wire infrastructure and the rights-of-way around it, but also to expand newer efforts. The work of lineworkers throughout the area is allowing us to add service areas to the growing LaGrange County REMC Broadband network. With their continued dedication, we’ll soon be able to serve thousands more customers with high-speed internet. 

Just like our leadership, staff and members, our lineworkers are committed to seeing this cooperative take its next steps in innovation and service. The next time you’re waiting for your power to come back on after a big storm or you see lineworkers in a bucket truck helping to hang Christmas lights, remember, these dedicated individuals are area residents, just like you and me. They want to give back where they can and put their all into their professional efforts to see their communities thrive.

So, when you have the chance, thank a lineman for their dedication and service. Though we appreciate their efforts every day, we like to acknowledge them in April, as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day.