Thanks to the lineworkers who keep the lights on

Great River Energy, wholesale power provider to 27 member distribution cooperatives, is asking Minnesota communities to join the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and hundreds of co-ops across the U.S. in recognizing the work line technicians do for the communities they serve on April 8, 2024, Lineworker Appreciation Day.

“Our line technicians play a critical role in keeping the power flowing in our region and getting the lights back on when storms strike,” said Matt Reule, Great River Energy manager transmission, construction and maintenance. “They are some of the most dedicated employees we have and can be called on to restore power at a moment’s notice, any time day or night.”

Reule said for these reasons, Great River Energy’s line technicians, as well as line technicians from Great River Energy’s 27 member-owner cooperatives, “truly deserve this special day of recognition.”

Great River Energy’s 35 line technicians help the cooperative maintain and operate 5,771 miles of high-voltage power lines and 109 substations in Minnesota and North Dakota.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has dedicated the second Monday in April every year as a time to thank and recognize linemen for their service. If you see a lineman in the community, Great River Energy encourages you to say hello and thank them for the work they do in keeping our electric system running efficiently and reliably.