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In the fabric of our daily lives, there exists a silent force ensuring our daily comforts remain uninterrupted. This special group of employees at CPS Energy ensures electricity flows seamlessly into every home and business, day in and day out. They are our lineworkers, the steadfast guardians of the San Antonio power grid.
Around the clock, rain or shine, through sweltering heat waves and bone-chilling cold snaps, our lineworkers are on the frontlines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to keep the city illuminated. These dedicated men and women brave the elements to install, service and repair electrical lines, ensuring our community remains powered through every storm and challenge. On National Lineman Appreciation Day, we are privileged to extend our heartfelt gratitude to these extraordinary individuals who embody dedication and resilience.
Within CPS Energy’s expansive service area, our lineworkers undertake the crucial responsibility of managing an intricate web of electrical infrastructure encompassing over 16,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines. This includes the meticulous oversight of more than 8,213 miles of overhead lines, 6,856 miles of underground lines, and 1,555 miles of transmission lines. These lineworkers, often wearing gear weighing up to 40 pounds, bravely climb poles reaching heights up to 70 feet. Taming the temperament of electricity is no easy job.
Our lineworkers undergo rigorous training to handle energized lines using special techniques and outfitted with protective gear. They collaborate with other first responders to restore power as quickly as possible during emergencies. Whether it is a storm-induced blackout or an unforeseen incident, they are the first on the scene and the last to leave, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
Working as a lineman is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. As the role of a lineman has evolved since the 1840s, so has attention to their safety. Here at CPS Energy, the safety of all employees ranks as the highest priority and is one of our guiding pillars. Watching each other’s back and making safety the focus of every job could literally be life-saving for our linemen.
For the men and women of CPS Energy who take the challenge, the reward of keeping your lights on far outweighs the risks. Although their chosen profession encompasses years of training to master their craft, it is their heart and desire for excellence that pushes them forward to defy all obstacles. To their families, who support and share them with our community, we say thank you for your dedication.
As we celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18, let’s take a moment to thank and celebrate the lineworkers at CPS Energy. These unsung heroes keep this community thriving and growing. Often their work goes unnoticed, and their courage is taken for granted. Whether it’s working on overhead or underground power lines, the work they do never stops. If you see a lineman in their easy-to-spot blue long-sleeved shirt, a simple “thank you” will go a long way.
