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Celebrating Lineworker Appreciation Day

As Lineworker Appreciation Day approaches every April 18, FirstEnergy Corporation proudly stands with electric companies nationwide to recognize the bravery and unwavering commitment of the men and women who keep our lights on 24/7. This annual observance showcases the crucial role that lineworkers play, often facing hazardous conditions to restore power to homes and businesses across the nation.

Wade Smith, President of FirstEnergy Utilities, expressed profound gratitude for these frontline workers, stating, "Lineworkers face hazards every day when they go up in their buckets, climb poles or work on underground power lines. They don’t hesitate to show up in some of the toughest conditions imaginable to safely get the lights back on for homes and businesses throughout our country. On behalf of all employees at FirstEnergy, we say a loud and proud 'thank you' to our men and women for their commitment and resiliency."

This day was established as National Lineman Appreciation Day in 2013 with a congressional resolution, which commemorates the relentless efforts of electric crews in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Over the past year, FirstEnergy’s nearly 2,500 line workers have demonstrated their commitment through numerous large-scale outages, particularly during significant weather events. Their work is often measured not only in hours but in the impact it has on communities.

For instance, following one of the most impactful storms to strike northeast Ohio since 1993 on August 6, 2024, FirstEnergy’s lineworkers sprang into action in response to devastating weather conditions that included five tornadoes and maximum wind gusts of up to 90 miles per hour. During this crisis, over 627,700 customers were left without power across various states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey. The swift action of FirstEnergy's teams saw nearly 500 poles, 231 transformers, and 75 miles of wire replaced in less than a week, restoring power to 94% of affected customers by August 11.

This valor doesn't stop in Ohio. Just over a month later, FirstEnergy’s crews took their expertise on the road to assist restoration efforts after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. Approximately 645 dedicated lineworkers contributed more than 150,000 personnel-hours to restore power to local communities suffering from storm damage. Their dedication was recently acknowledged when FirstEnergy received the Emergency Recovery Award and Emergency Assistance Award from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI).

FirstEnergy remains committed to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence throughout its service areas. As one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, FirstEnergy serves more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of lines, linking the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions seamlessly.

As we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, let’s take a moment to recognize the challenges faced daily by these professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that we have power when we need it. Their dedication not only maintains our electric supply but also supports the broader economy by ensuring reliable service during critical times. Join FirstEnergy in celebrating our lineworkers by sharing your appreciation online and helping to spread the word about their crucial role in our communities. You can find a special video tribute to FirstEnergy’s lineworkers on the company’s YouTube channel, showcasing their hard work and commitment in action. Together, let’s honor these heroes who keep the lights on every day.