City of Medicine Hat power line workers attend to a repair in this undated handout photo.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
Every July 10, we take time to recognize the people who help keep our communities running – our lineworkers. These are the individuals who work behind the scenes (and often high above or deep below ground) to make sure the power stays on, no matter the conditions.
A typical day for a lineworker starts early. After a safety briefing and a review of the day’s tasks, crews head out to job sites. The work might involve repairing damaged lines, installing new equipment, or inspecting infrastructure to prevent future issues.
It’s hands-on, physically demanding work that often takes place in extreme weather – whether it’s a heatwave, a snowstorm, or a windy day in between. Some lineworkers climb utility poles or operate bucket trucks to reach overhead lines. Others work in underground vaults or substations. And many are supported by teams in control centres who monitor the grid and coordinate responses when outages occur. It’s a team effort, and every role plays a part in keeping the system safe and reliable.
When the unexpected happens – like a storm knocking out power – lineworkers are among the first to respond. They work quickly and carefully to assess damage, make repairs, and restore service.
These situations can mean long hours, challenging conditions, and time away from home. But for lineworkers, it’s part of the job – and one they take pride in. What many people don’t see is the planning and precision that goes into every task.
Safety is always the top priority, and lineworkers rely on training, experience, and teamwork to get the job done right. Whether it’s a routine maintenance call or an emergency response, they approach each job with focus and professionalism.
Lineworkers don’t do it alone. They’re supported by engineers, dispatchers, planners, and many others who help keep the system running smoothly. Together, they form a network of people dedicated to powering our lives.
So today, we say thank you. Thank you to the lineworkers who climb, dig, troubleshoot, and repair. Thank you to the teams who support them. Your work often goes unseen, but it never goes unappreciated. If you’ve ever flipped a switch and had the lights come on, you’ve experienced the result of their hard work. We encourage you to take a moment to show your appreciation to the people who help keep our communities connected.
James Stefanuk is the superintendent of electric distribution operations for the City of Medicine Hat
