Apprentice Lineman Chris Ingold climbs a power pole.

by Nicole Arnold, communications and public affairs manager

If you were asked to associate an image or a person with Randolph EMC, I bet you would picture a lineworker. One of the most visible employees of the co-op, lineworkers work tirelessly to ensure our community receives uninterrupted power 24/7.

“Lineworker” is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. because these employees perform detailed tasks near high-voltage power lines. Regardless of the time of day or night, they brave stormy weather and other challenging conditions. They easily can climb 40 feet in the air while carrying heavy equipment to get the job done.

Being a lineworker is not a glamorous or easy profession. It takes years of specialized training, ongoing education, dedication and a sense of service and commitment. How else can you explain the willingness to tackle a hard job in wicked weather, while others stay safe and sheltered comfortably at home? Their servant’s heart for the community is what sets them apart. That’s why every April, we celebrate and recognize the personnel who work around the clock to keep the lights on.

While lineworkers may be the most visible employees at Randolph Electric, it’s important to note that there is a team of highly skilled professionals working behind the scenes. Engineers provide ongoing expertise and guidance on the operations side of the co-op.

Member service specialists are always standing by to take your calls and questions.

Our information technology (IT) experts continuously monitor our system to help safeguard sensitive data. These are just a few of the folks who work together to ensure we can deliver the service and reliability you expect and deserve. Without them, our lineworkers wouldn’t be able to “bring the light” to our community. Our dedicated and beloved lineworkers are proud to represent REMC, and they deserve all the appreciation and accolades that come their way this month and year-round.

At REMC, our lineworkers’ commitment to excellence runs deep. Throughout this edition of Watts Working, you will see snapshots of our lineworkers as they perform rigorous safety training drills, educate the public and restore your power after an outage.

The next time you see a lineworker in person, I hope you’ll join me in thanking them for their exceptional service.