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Daily CSR

Daily CSR
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Honoring Duke Energy Lineworkers: Powering Communities Through Storms and Growth



04/22/2025


Celebrating Lineworkers on April 18
On April 18, Duke Energy honors National Lineworker Appreciation Day—a dedicated time to recognize the dedication, hard work, and essential role of lineworkers in delivering dependable and safe electricity to communities.

Why It’s Important:
Lineworkers play a vital role in public safety and community well-being. Often among the first to respond after severe weather, they face tough environments—working at great heights and in extreme conditions—to restore power and keep essential services running. Their contributions extend beyond emergencies; they are essential in expanding and maintaining the electrical grid that supports growing populations and businesses in Duke Energy’s service territories across the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest.

As towns and cities grow, the demand for electricity infrastructure increases. Lineworkers help meet that demand by installing and upgrading power lines, transformers, and other critical equipment, ensuring the grid can support new developments and business expansions.

A Noteworthy Year:
The impact of Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024, was one of the most significant in Duke Energy’s history. Despite many lineworkers being personally affected, they helped restore power to over 3.1 million customers across the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest.
Key Figures from the Hurricane Helene Response:
  • 23,000 field personnel from 19+ states and Canada were involved in the Carolinas.
  • 14,000 power poles and 9 million feet of wire were replaced.
  • Duke Energy’s team includes over 10,000 lineworkers, including substation and relay technicians, who ensure consistent and safe power distribution.
  • Since 2020, the Duke Energy Foundation has invested over $3.3 million into lineworker education and training initiatives.
A Growing Field:
As Duke Energy continues to upgrade and modernize the power grid, the need for skilled lineworkers is on the rise. The company actively partners with 22 community colleges across its service areas to recruit and train the next generation of lineworkers.

Voices from the Field:
  • Scott Batson, SVP and Chief Power Grid Officer: “Our fast-growing customer base relies on our line teams’ dedication to safety and service. Their work is critical to meeting today’s energy demands and preparing for tomorrow.”
  • Suzy Macke, Trouble Technician in Florida: “There’s nothing like the satisfaction of restoring power after a major storm. Helping people in need gives our work deep meaning.”
  • Chase Nickell, Journeyman in Indiana: “It’s fulfilling work. Even though my kids miss me when I’m called out, they’re proud of what I do.”
  • Alex Downton, Journeyman in Kentucky/Ohio: “There’s a strong sense of family among lineworkers. We trust one another, and that camaraderie keeps us safe and successful.”
  • Harrison Cochran, Apprentice in North Carolina: “It’s rewarding to know that we’re making a difference. Our team is committed not only to restoring power but also to mentoring future lineworkers.”
  • Rikki Terry, Journeyman in South Carolina: “Safety and service go hand-in-hand. We take pride in strengthening our communities and improving the grid for generations to come.”