Duke Energy will recognize its frontline workforce during National Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, celebrating the skilled professionals who maintain power reliability across six states. These crews work in hazardous conditions—often at great heights and during extreme weather—to restore electricity to millions of customers. Their role has become increasingly vital as Duke Energy modernizes grid infrastructure to support rapid regional growth and climate resilience.
The company’s 10,000-strong lineworker team demonstrated extraordinary dedication during Hurricane Helene’s devastating September 2024 landfall. Despite personal hardships from the storm, crews replaced 14,000 power poles and 9 million feet of wire across the Carolinas, Florida, and Midwest. The restoration effort mobilized 23,000 field personnel from 19 states and Canada to address 3.1 million customer outages—one of the largest responses in company history.
“These teams are the backbone of our service reliability,” said Scott Batson, Duke Energy’s Chief Power Grid Officer. He noted lineworkers enable economic development by installing transformers, power lines, and other infrastructure to support business expansion. The company has invested $3.3 million since 2020 in training programs at 22 community colleges to cultivate this specialized workforce, anticipating growing demand as grid modernization projects accelerate.
Apprentice lineworker Harrison Cochran described the profession’s rewards: “Helping communities regain power after disasters gives our team tremendous purpose.” His North Carolina crew exemplifies the around-the-clock commitment required, balancing emergency response with mentoring new technicians. Such knowledge transfer proves critical as Duke Energy integrates renewable energy sources and smart grid technologies.
As one of America’s largest utilities serving 8.6 million customers, Duke Energy emphasizes that lineworker expertise remains central to its energy transition strategy. The company continues upgrading infrastructure while maintaining conventional power systems—a dual approach requiring skilled technicians to implement. Their work ensures reliability during the shift toward cleaner generation, including expanded natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy facilities across Duke Energy’s service territory.
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