Xcel Energy: Celebrates National Lineworker Appreciation Day

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (July 09, 2021)- Xcel Energy joins the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Edison Electric Institute in celebrating its more than 1,000 full-time line workers as part of National Lineworker Appreciation Day, which falls on Saturday, July 10.

Xcel Energy lineworkers maintain over 200,000 miles of electricity lines across the eight states the company services, keeping the lights on for more than 3.5 million electricity customers.

Nationwide nearly 75,000 electrical lineworkers are on the frontlines of the power industry, working long hours in often dangerous conditions and extreme weather to keep the electricity flowing to homes and businesses. These men and women also perform critical work to maintain and enhance the power grid.

The past year has been particularly challenging for lineworkers. They worked tirelessly through a global pandemic, civil unrest, and extreme weather from heat waves, to blizzards, hurricanes, ice storms and wildfires. Lineworkers are highly skilled, training for as many as 7,000-8,000 hours. They often carry 40 pounds of gear while working on structures that can be up to 200 feet tall.

“As the first responders in our industry, our lineworkers make a meaningful difference in every community we serve, maintaining critical energy service for customers, even in the worst weather conditions. I’m grateful for their unwavering dedication now, more than ever,” said Ben Fowke, chairman and CEO of Xcel Energy.

Xcel Energy lineworkers continue to follow enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols to help protect customers, communities and themselves from the spread of the virus. The company reminds the public to continue allowing lineworkers the space they need while they are in the field, so they can focus on doing their jobs safely.

National Lineworker Appreciation Day is celebrated every year on July 10 in honor of the life and work of Henry Miller, the first president of IBEW.