Governor Phil Scott Honors Electrical Lineworkers From Vermont Utilities

Montpelier, VT – Governor Phil Scott today honored electrical lineworkers from Vermont’s electric utilities. The Governor hosted a recognition event in his State House ceremonial office during which he praised Vermont’s lineworkers for their hard work and dedication and presented a proclamation he signed on Tuesday in recognition of National Electric Utility Lineworker Appreciation Day.

“Vermont’s lineworkers serve with courage, talent, and determination every day to ensure safe and reliable electric service to communities throughout our great state,” said Gov. Scott. “The dedicated services of these men and women – performed both night and day, through holidays and storms – power our homes and businesses throughout Vermont to keep our economy moving. I offer a heartfelt thank you to all of Vermont’s lineworkers. We appreciate you. Please stay safe out in the field.”

The United States is home to 115,000 lineworkers, who ensure that nine million miles of wire and 170 million poles are working safely and reliably to serve more than 155 million electric customers. Vermont’s lineworkers played an integral role in the relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

Lineworkers and leadership team members from the following utilities participated in the event and also offered praise for Vermont’s lineworkers:

“The level of dedication, competence, and cooperation that VEC lineworkers exhibit is truly impressive,” said Christine Hallquist, Chief Executive Officer, Vermont Electric Cooperative. “They are committed to their community and strive every day to provide outstanding service. If you have power, make sure to thank a lineworker!”

“We are so very proud of the hard work and dedication of our lineworkers, and this is a small way to show our respect and appreciation,” said Patty Richards, General Manager, Washington Electric Cooperative. “Our crews work tirelessly restoring power at any time of the day and on any day of the week in difficult weather conditions and often in difficult terrain. We are so very grateful for their work and service to WEC members and the State of Vermont.”    

“We are thrilled to honor lineworkers, on this day and every day,” said Mary Powell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Green Mountain Power. “They work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on for customers and help power our state. Whether they are restoring power after a storm or doing proactive work to avoid outages, they are a highly trained, dedicated, and hardworking team, who are on the front lines making sure we deliver power safely and reliably to our customers.”

“VPPSA’s member utilities often are at the heart of the communities they serve, providing support well beyond delivering electricity,” said Ken Nolan, General Manager, Vermont Public Power Supply Authority. “That impact would not be possible without the dedicated, talented lineworkers at those utilities, who put public service first.”

“The Village of Swanton has been generating renewable energy since 1894,” said Reg Beliveau, Jr., Manager, Village of Swanton, and General Manager, Village of Swanton Electric Department (one of VPPSA’s 12 member utilities). “Now, 123 years later, we serve over 3,600 customers in three communities. The longevity of our utility and reliability to our customers have been due to the dedication and determination of our lineworkers. Our pride and determination to serve our customers as well as other utilities in a time of need continues today. We are proud to be one of the first publicly-owned utilities in the state of Vermont. It is with gratitude and pride in our profession that we honor lineworkers throughout the state. Publicly-owned, co-operatively, and independently-owned utilities are the backbone of Vermont. We will continue to work together to keep the lights on for all Vermonters.”

“The kind of skills and level of commitment displayed by Stowe’s lineworkers make me proud to work in the utility industry,” said Ellen Burt, General Manager, Stowe Electric Department. “We can’t thank them enough for the work they do year-round to ensure that our customers have access to reliable power.”

“It’s ten below zero, winds are gusting at 30 miles per hour, the power is out, and it’s New Year’s Eve. While most of us are preparing to celebrate with our families, our lineworkers are braving the elements to keep us all safe and warm. We are fortunate to have such loyal, hard-working teammates keeping the lights on for all of Vermont. We love our lineworkers!” said Neale Lunderville, General Manager, Burlington Electric Department.

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