Wired for service
April 1, 2025
In the early morning hours, while many of us are still sleeping, lineworkers begin their day. They suit up in their personal protective equipment—flame-resistant clothing, hard hats, safety glasses, rubber gloves and thick, heavy boots—gear they might still be wearing hours after the rest of us have returned home from our jobs.
They are the individuals who epitomize dedication to service in its purest form. It’s no wonder that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster recognized and thanked our state’s electric cooperative linemen during his State of the State address earlier this year.
This month also is an opportunity to reflect on the essential role they play in our daily lives as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 14.
Lineworkers exhibit a strength that goes far beyond the physical. Whether battling inclement weather, troubleshooting technical problems or working in dangerous, high-voltage situations, lineworkers demonstrate resilience and a quiet determination to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable and our communities connected.
In moments of crisis, when the lights go out and we find ourselves in the dark, lineworkers get to work. Their swift response restores normalcy, offering reassurance in times of uncertainty. Whether repairing storm-damaged power lines or ensuring continuity during emergencies, their unwavering commitment illuminates life when we need it most.
There is no better example of their dedication than how our Palmetto Electric linemen responded in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in our area last fall. They worked long, exhausting days with little rest until the last outage was restored across our service territory.
Palmetto Electric linemen also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. We’re thankful to the crews who came to help us after Hurricane Helene’s destruction, and once all our members had their power back on, we sent two crews to other cooperatives in the state to assist them in their restoration efforts. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.
This month, as we celebrate the remarkable linemen at Palmetto Electric who ensure reliable power, day or night, rain or shine, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve. The next time you flip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible—lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to powering our lives.
A. Berl Davis Jr.
President and CEO
