By Patrick McIntyre, CSU Energy Coordinator
Beginning in 1879 with the invention of the Edison light bulb, electric linemen have been keeping the nation energized. The City of College Station and Congress are recognizing today as National Lineman Appreciation Day to honor the hard-working folks who protect the public safety by keeping your power on.
More than 115,000 linemen and women nationwide install and maintain nine million miles of electric grid to meet your power needs. Electric linemen at College Station Utilities work with voltages as high as 138,000 down to standard household 120-volt power.
Linemen are also part of the emergency first-responder community. Trouble calls by definition are usually at night in all types of conditions and weather. In most cases, other first responders can visually see their emergency issues. But electricity is invisible, which makes for an incredibly hazardous environment during weather events and storms.
Big events require all hands on deck, but two-person crews handle most trouble calls. Unlike most occupations, linemen spend a significant part of their working lives off the ground while maintaining electrical infrastructure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a lineman’s job is among the 10 most dangerous occupations.
College Station is committed to building and maintaining reliable utilities with more than 56 percent of our electric grid underground. College Station Utilities electric personnel are required to be knowledgeable in both overhead and underground electrical systems.
Please join us to in thanking our linemen for all that they do to keep your lights on.
Twitter Hashtag: #thankalineman
About the Author
Patrick McIntyre is energy coordinator for College Station Utilities and is responsible for the energy conservation and key accounts programs. Pat joined CSU as a key accounts representative in 2009. He previously worked for 17 years in the manufacturing sector and eight years as a consultant with the Texas Engineering Extension Service. Pat graduated from Texas A&M in 1982 with B.S. in Industrial Distribution and has lived in the area since 1984.
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