Here at Southeast Colorado Power Association (SECPA), we have a couple of things to celebrate in April. First, April is the month when we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day. When people flip a light switch, they may not give much thought to why or how the light comes on.
SECPA lineworkers provide an essential service: Our crews work hard to install and maintain overhead and underground power lines that keep electricity flowing. These specialized workers are on call 24/7 in case severe storms or other circumstances cause the power to go out.
Lineworkers work with high-voltage electricity, often at great heights, in all kinds of weather conditions such as snow, wind, rain, ice, and extreme heat and cold. The work required to maintain SECPA’s grid is physically demanding. To become proficient, most lineworkers go through a technical training program and first learn on the job as apprentices under the careful eye of seasoned lineworkers who have earned journeyman status.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electric power line installers and repairers typically:
• Install, maintain, or repair the power lines that move electricity.
• Identify defective devices, voltage regulators, transformers, and switches.
• Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment.
• String (install) power lines between poles, towers, and buildings.
• Climb poles and transmission towers and use truck-mounted buckets to get to equipment.
• Operate power equipment when installing and repairing poles, towers, and lines.
• Drive work vehicles to job sites.
• Know and implement safety standards and procedures.
When a problem is reported, lineworkers must identify the cause and fix it. This usually involves diagnostic testing using specialized equipment and repair work. To work on poles, they usually use bucket trucks to raise themselves to the top of the structure, although all lineworkers must be adept at climbing poles and towers when necessary. Workers use specialized safety equipment to keep them from falling when climbing utility poles and towers.
Storms and other natural disasters can cause extensive damage to power lines. When power goes out, line repairers must work quickly to restore service to our members.
Although everyone at SECPA works hard to provide reliable service, we salute our lineworkers who work around the clock to keep the power on. Their safety, as well as yours, is our top priority.
The other reason we celebrate in April is that is when we host our Annual Meeting. This year’s Annual Meeting is being held in Lamar at the Lamar Community Building at 610 S. 6th Street on April 24 starting at 5 p.m., with dinner following at 6 p.m.
As a member of SECPA, this is the time of year that you get to make your voice heard by casting your vote for the candidate of your choice for SECPA’s Board of Directors. If you can join us, we would love to have you attend and be a part of the “Democratic Member Control” that is Cooperative Principle number two and a huge part of what makes us a cooperative.
Kevin Brandon is the General Manager of Southeast Colorado Power Association. SECPA Electric’s mission is to provide high-quality, reliable electric service at are reasonable cost to our members, improve their quality of life through new technologies and services, be a visible and active member of the community and serve our members with respect, courtesy and responsiveness.
