Celebrating Lineworker Appreciation Day - April 18
In April, we take time to pause and recognize KEC’s lineworkers. When storms impact our communities and outages occur, many people experience the inconvenience, but our lineworkers see a call to action. Our crews are always ready when it matters most—leaving family dinners, working through the night and heading into challenging conditions to restore power. That readiness is not accidental. It comes from rigorous training, deep experience and a shared commitment to serving others.
In March 2026, that commitment was tested when a severe windstorm swept across our region bringing gusts of 65 miles per hour and leaving thousands without power throughout our system. At the height of the storm, approximately 100,000 people in our region were impacted by power outages as trees and debris came down across roads and power lines—nearly 9,000 of those being KEC members. Our crews responded immediately, working through hazardous conditions and long overnight hours to assess damage, clear access routes and rebuild portions of the system. Thanks to their skill and determination, power was restored as safely and efficiently as possible, even as newly fallen snow challenged restoration efforts.
What makes lineworkers especially remarkable is that they aren’t just restoring power to a system—they’re restoring power to their own communities. They live here. They raise their families here. They understand that electricity is more than a convenience; it’s essential to daily life, to local businesses, to schools, farms and emergency services. Powering the places we call home is personal to lineworkers.
Electric cooperatives like KEC were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our lineworkers embody that spirit every day. They are the first to respond and the last to leave, often working long hours behind the scenes. At times, serving our neighbors means going beyond our own service territory through a process known as mutual aid. During major outage events, KEC crews stand ready to assist neighboring co-ops—sometimes close to home, and sometimes across state lines—to help restore power. This spirit of mutual aid strengthens all cooperatives and ultimately benefits the members we serve.
We understand any time the power goes out can be frustrating, bringing everyday life to a halt. We are incredibly grateful to our members for your patience and encouragement during these times. Linework is demanding, physical, and at times, it can be dangerous. Our crews approach each job with a focus on safety and teamwork. They take pride in their craft and in the trust our members place in them.
On April 18, 2026, we will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, but one day is hardly enough. Every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and dedication, which are the backbone of our cooperative.
To our lineworkers: thank you for your hard work, your readiness and your unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. We are proud to stand behind you and grateful for all that you do.