Honoring Our Lineworkers: The Power Behind Your Power
When you flip a switch and the lights come on, it’s easy to take that simple convenience for granted. But behind that everyday miracle stands a dedicated team of professionals whose commitment to our community often goes unrecognized—our lineworkers. As we celebrate National Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, I want to shine a spotlight on these exceptional men who brave the elements to keep The Dalles and Wasco County powered.
On Lineworker Appreciation Day, it is our honor to celebrate the hard work, innovation, and dedication of these electric lineworkers. NWCPUD’s lineworkers maintain hundreds of miles of power lines serving more than 10,500 accounts in Wasco County. Our crews are standing by to serve you around the clock, 365 days a year, in blistering sun, rain, sleet, and snow to do two things: keep our system safe and your power on.
We often take electricity, and those who provide it, for granted. Our lineworkers represent the best of what public power stands for—service above self. They’re the first responders of the utility world, answering the call regardless of weather conditions or time of day. When winter storms knock out power in the early-morning hours, while most of us are still warm in our beds, our line crews are already gearing up, preparing to head out into the darkness and cold to restore your service as quickly and safely as possible.
The work our lineworkers do isn’t just difficult. It’s dangerous. They routinely work with high-voltage lines, scale tall poles and towers, and navigate challenging terrain, all while maintaining an unwavering focus on safety. Their profession demands a unique combination of physical strength, technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and unwavering vigilance.
But beyond their skills, what impresses me most about our line crews is their deep connection to this community. These aren’t just employees—they’re your neighbors. They live and work in our communities, coaching youth sports teams, volunteering at community events and raising their families right here in The Dalles and throughout Wasco County. They understand reliable power isn’t just about convenience. It’s about keeping our community safe, businesses thriving, and maintaining our quality of life.
Want to show your support to our lineworkers? A friendly wave or hello when you see them around town means more than you might imagine. For safety reasons, keep your distance when they’re actively working. Their work may often be invisible when things are running smoothly, but their impact on our community is immeasurable.
From all of us at Northern Wasco County PUD to our amazing line crews, thank you for your commitment to keeping the lights on, regardless of the challenges. Your dedication to safety, service, and this community embodies the best of public power, and we’re incredibly grateful for all you do.
Manager Roger Kline