Honoring Hard Work and Dedication

Join us in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day

Imagine waking up to a phone call in the middle of the night. Rain is coming down and wind is howling, but you’re ready and willing to brave the storm to do your job. This scenario is a reality for the linemen who serve Eastern Illini Electric and other electric cooperatives around the country.

History of National Lineman Appreciation Day

On April 9, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative will honor these hard-working individuals who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on in our homes and businesses. In 2014, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Board designated the second Monday of April as National Lineman Appreciation Day. The full text of the resolution states:

“Whereas linemen leave their families and put their lives on the line every day to keep the power on; Whereas linemen work 365 days a year under dangerous conditions to build, maintain and repair the electric infrastructure; Whereas linemen are the first responders of the electric cooperative family, getting power back on and making things safe for all after storms and accidents; and Whereas there would be no electric cooperatives without the brave men and women who comprise our corps of linemen;

Therefore, be it resolved that NRECA recognize the Second Monday of April of each year as National Lineman Appreciation Day and make available to electric cooperatives, materials and support to recognize the contributions of these valuable men and women to America’s Electric Cooperatives.”

The importance of linemen

Our linemen are the first responders of our electric distribution system, working around the clock on high-voltage lines, often through dangerous conditions, to ensure reliable service for our members.

They work all hours of the day, spend time away from their families and go above and beyond to restore power to our communities. While we appreciate our linemen every day, we commemorate the second Monday of every April each year to give our electric linemen the recognition they deserve.

Join the Celebration

EIEC invites our member/owners to take a moment to thank a lineman for the work they do. If you use electricity, then a lineman has had an impact on your life. We encourage you to use #ThankaLineman to show your support for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our cooperative.