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Electric membership corporations (EMCs) in Georgia, are banding together on April 14 to celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day where they will pay tribute to electric lineworkers across the state.

On a normal day, a lineworker’s efforts may go unnoticed. However, in moments of crisis when power outages strike, lineworkers emerge as heroes and a sign of hope.

“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.”

The tasks given to lineworkers are important 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and recent storms in the southeast have provided these heroes the opportunity to shine. 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.

To recognize the tireless work of lineworkers and their dedication to the communities they serve, resolutions were introduced this year in both the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate to mark the occasion on April 14:

• House Resolution 432 introduced by House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Chairman Don Parsons (R – Marietta)
• Senate Resolution 261 introduced by Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Chairman Bill Cowsert (R – Athens)

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.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LINEWORKERS:

•  #ThankALineworker: EMC employees, members and friends are invited to express thanks and appreciation by posting social media messages to lineworkers using the hashtag #ThankALineworker.

• Lineman license plate: To honor lineworkers’ service, the state created a specialty license plate that any driver can request for their vehicle.

Proceeds from the sale of “Thank a Lineman” license plates benefit the Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America which provides assistance to burn patients and their families at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta.

To purchase, Georgians should visit the Department of Revenue website when renewing their annual motor vehicle registration.