ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Duke Energy will join the state to celebrate Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day on Saturday, Aug. 26.
“Lineworkers are on the front lines each and every day ensuring the reliable delivery of energy and quality service for our customers,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are proud to recognize our line personnel for their around-the-clock commitment to our communities.”
In 2012, the Florida House of Representatives voted to honor the thousands of men and women who work as lineworkers with an annual appreciation day.
“Our lineworkers are the face of our company in the communities we serve,” said Jackie Joyner, Duke Energy Florida vice president of distribution, construction and maintenance. “They have an unwavering commitment to safely serving our customers – a mission they live with purpose every day.”
Summer thunderstorms, hurricanes, traffic accidents, structure fires and even squirrels can cause the power to go out at any time, in any place. Regardless of the cause, highly trained lineworkers are ready to quickly and safely restore energy and all the comforts that brings, while often working in sweltering heat, rain and other hazardous conditions.
More than 1,100 lineworkers are part of the Duke Energy Florida family. They construct, operate and maintain the lines and equipment that power the lives of the company’s approximately 1.8 million customers across its 35-county service area.
“Lineworkers are a critical part of emergency response operations, especially during storms,” said Sally Bishop, Pinellas County emergency management director. “Lineworkers ensure the safety of our first responders. We work together as a team during emergencies and support the community in those times of need, and linemen are vital in those efforts.”
To participate in honoring Florida lineworkers and their families, use the hashtag #ThankALineman in social media. And, if you see lineworkers, consider thanking them for their service. For more information about Duke Energy’s lineworkers, follow @DukeEnergy on Twitter and visit facebook.com/DukeEnergy.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida owns and operates a diverse generation mix, including renewables, providing about 8,800 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.8 million customers in a 13,000-square-mile service area.
With its Florida regional headquarters located in St. Petersburg, Fla., Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its Electric Utilities and Infrastructure business unit serves approximately 7.5 million customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. The company’s Gas Utilities and Infrastructure business unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in the Carolinas, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Its Commercial Renewables business unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the United States.
Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
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