Michigan's Governor Thanks Utility Linemen
"As we saw with the destructive windstorm that swept across our state in March, utility workers play an important role in power restoration efforts and in our everyday lives," Gov. Rick Snyder said. "I thank these hard-working men and women for working tirelessly to keep our communities powered and our residents safe."
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder issued a proclamation this week thanking the nation's utility linemen for their response during emergencies to restore electric power as quickly as possible. Snyder's proclamation declared April 18 to be to Lineman Appreciation Day in Michigan.
"As we saw with the destructive windstorm that swept across our state in March, utility workers play an important role in power restoration efforts and in our everyday lives," the governor said. "I thank these hard-working men and women for working tirelessly to keep our communities powered and our residents safe."
His proclamation says there are about "115,000 highly trained and skilled linemen in the United States, servicing 9 million miles of wire;" and they "work under dangerous conditions in order to construct and maintain the energy infrastructure of the United States. They are often the first responders during storms and other catastrophic events, making sure the scene is safe."
"The job that line workers do is important to assuring our state's energy future for the health and safety of our citizens," said Valerie Brader, executive director of the Michigan Agency for Energy. "We thank them for the work they do every day for the citizens of Michigan, often under trying conditions."
Sally Talberg, chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission, also thanked linemen working in Michigan for their response following March 2017 storms. "The March storm proved once again the professionalism of Michigan's utility workers in addressing a widespread power issue," Talberg said. "Utility workers serve on the front line to make sure the state has a secure and reliable energy system."