Lineworkers: The Heartbeat of Our Grid

Exelon is proud to employ thousands of line workers across five states and the District of Columbia. These individuals work with both overhead and underground systems to ensure best-in-class operations that keep our homes, businesses and critical services powered. They install and maintain electrical equipment – and when necessary, respond and restore electricity during outages – all while working to prevent electrical hazards and ensuring community safety.

The same power lines you see above your head every day do more than just turn on the lights – they help power homes, schools, hospitals and services we depend on. That’s why the job of a lineworker is far from ordinary. It demands an extraordinary blend of technical skill, physical strength, unwavering focus and a profound commitment to safety. Whether it's a scorching summer day, a frigid winter night, or the aftermath of a devastating storm, lineworkers are on the front lines to supporting the grid we all depend on.

These highly trained individuals climb towering poles, navigate complex underground systems, and are around high-voltage electricity, all while adhering to rigorous safety protocols to protect themselves and the public. Their dedication means that when a storm hits, and the lights go out, they are already mobilizing, ready to work around the clock until every customer is safely reconnected. This relentless pursuit of reliability is what makes them true unsung heroes in our communities. Year to date, 49 storms have impacted Exelon’s systems across its service territory.

That’s why, every July, we pause to honor the dedicated professionals who help keep our homes and communities powered. National Lineworker Appreciation Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder of the maintenance it takes to provide an essential part of everyday life: power.

National Line Worker Appreciation Day was established in recognition of the essential and critical nature lineworkers play in maintaining power and public safety, The National Electrical Contractor’s Association, in tandem with the International Solidarity of Electrical Workers and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), chose July 10 as Lineworker Appreciation Day. This date was selected to honor the individuals who tirelessly install, maintain and repair electrical transmission and distribution as well as commemorate the life and legacy of Henry Miller. In the history of lineworkers, Henry Miller is notable for his involvement in the foundation of the International Solidarity of Electrical Workers.

Exelon President and CEO Calvin Butler and IBEW International President Kenneth Cooper described lineworkers’ work as critical to “maintaining the literal infrastructure of America’s economy and competitiveness.”

Beyond their crucial role in keeping the existing grid operational, lineworkers are also at the forefront of the evolving energy landscape. The grid of today is far more complex than it was even a decade ago, and the grid of tomorrow will be even more so.

Lineworkers are not just maintaining old infrastructure; they are actively building the future. They are the workers installing the advanced smart grid technologies that allow for quicker outage detection and restoration, integrating distributed energy resources (rooftop solar), and preparing our systems for the increasing demand from electric vehicles. Their expertise is also vital in deploying the digital tools and automated systems that make our grid more resilient, reliable and capable of handling a diverse mix of energy sources.

So, while we celebrate them every July, at Exelon we also recognize the work put in every day. Across Exelon, they are not just connecting wires – they are connecting lives, powering progress, and building the resilient energy future we all depend on.