ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. –Duke Energy will join the state to celebrate Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day on Friday.
“Lineworkers risk their lives to help ensure the reliable delivery of energy for our customers,” said Alex Glenn, president, Duke Energy – Florida. “We are proud to recognize our line personnel for their around-the-clock commitment to our communities today and every day.”
In 2012, the Florida House of Representatives voted to honor the thousands of men and women who risk their lives every day to ensure the reliable delivery of energy with an annual appreciation day.
Summer lightning storms, hurricanes, traffic accidents, structure fires and even squirrels can cause the power to go out at any time, any place. Regardless of the cause, highly trained linemen are ready and able to quickly and safely restore energy and all the comforts that it brings, while often working in sweltering heat, rain and other hazardous conditions.
“The part of this job I enjoy the most is the sense of brotherhood I feel with my fellow lineman,” said Duke Energy Florida lineman Michael Cody Ellis.
More than 500 line workers are part of the Duke Energy Florida family. They, along with contract line workers, construct, operate and maintain equipment that powers the lives of the company’s approximately 1.7 million customers across its 35-county service area.
“Line personnel ensure the safety and protection of first responders through their commitment to excellence and dedication within the electrical hazards arena,” said Sal A. D'Angelo III, Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District fire chief. “In today's all-hazard emergency response system, you cannot separate line personnel from first responders; the two complement each other to ensure our community's emergency preparedness matrix operates at optimum levels.”
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 line workers, follow @DukeEnergy on Twitter and visit www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy.
Video: To see linemen in action, here is file footage of linemen performing storm preparation and restoration efforts: https://news.duke-energy.com/multimedia-gallery/b-roll#lg=g1&slide=6.
About Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida owns and operates a diverse generation mix, including renewables, providing about 9,100 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.7 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 regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.4 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 24 million people. Its Commercial Portfolio and International business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index 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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Media contact: Peveeta Persaud
Twitter: @DE_PeveetaP