Celebrating Dedication During Lineworker Appreciation Month
Georgia Power is paying tribute to its dedicated lineworkers this April as part of Lineworker Appreciation Month. The company is spotlighting the exceptional efforts of its crews during Hurricane Helene in 2024, a devastating storm that tested the limits of Georgia’s power infrastructure. In recognition of their resilience and efficiency, Georgia Power received the prestigious Emergency Recovery Award from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), honoring its rapid and effective response to one of the worst natural disasters in its 140-year history.
The award, granted after an international nomination and review process, celebrates the outstanding work of utility companies in restoring services during emergencies. Georgia Power’s leadership expressed deep appreciation for the employees’ efforts. CEO Kim Greene noted, “The worst from Hurricane Helene brought out the best in our team. This award is a testament to their commitment to serving Georgians when it matters most.”
Lawmakers joined in acknowledging these efforts, with Georgia State Capitol declaring March 11 as Georgia Lineworker Day. This gesture underlined the critical role that power crews play in ensuring the safety and continuity of life during extreme weather conditions.
Facing the Fury of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene struck Georgia on the night of September 26, 2024, unleashing widespread destruction across the state. By morning, the storm had left over one million residents without power. The hurricane downed thousands of trees, snapped over 11,800 power poles, damaged 5,800 transformers, and took down 1,500 miles of power lines, severely crippling Georgia Power’s electric grid.
In response, a massive restoration effort was mobilized. More than 20,000 workers, including assistance from utilities in New Jersey, California, and even Canada, joined forces to restore electricity across the state. The operation utilized advanced technology, including drones, helicopters, and boats, to access hard-hit and remote areas. This multi-state collaboration showcased the spirit of mutual aid within the utility sector.
EEI Interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn praised Georgia Power for its “safe and efficient” storm response, stating, “Throughout 2024, America’s electric companies showed unwavering dedication in restoring power to disaster-affected communities. Georgia Power’s team went above and beyond, making them worthy recipients of this distinguished award.”
Supporting Lineworkers and Building the Future Workforce
As part of Lineworker Appreciation Month, Georgia Power is also providing the public with a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of its crews through Instagram takeovers on @ga_power. These feature stories from crews in Vidalia, Atlanta, and Rome, sharing their first-hand experiences from Hurricane Helene and daily life on the line.
Beyond recognition, Georgia Power remains committed to building a strong workforce. The company hires approximately 180 lineworkers annually and offers comprehensive apprenticeship programs, competitive benefits, and career advancement opportunities. Georgia Power collaborates with technical colleges across the state, with over 60% of its new hires coming from programs offering Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Certifications. Many of these programs can be completed in under three months, with financial support available through Hope Grants.
By investing in its workforce and sharing their stories, Georgia Power continues to honor the vital role of lineworkers in powering Georgia safely and reliably—today and into the future.
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