Thank a lineworker on April 10

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association dedicates the second Monday in April as a time to thank and recognize line technicians and the critical work they do in all communities. Great River Energy’s 34 line technicians help maintain more than 5,200 miles of transmission power lines in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Mike Heinz, line technician foreperson at Great River Energy, explained the role of a lineworker as someone who is dedicated to delivering electricity day in and day out in all conditions, maintaining power lines and building power lines, all while keeping an eye on their co-workers. 

“A lineworker is someone who looks forward to a challenge. They are problem solvers,” Heinz said. “They are innovators, inventors, always thinking of new, better and safer ways to do our jobs, willing to go the extra mile, willing to work in all types of weather and at all hours of the day or night.”

Heinz said he enjoys being part of a group of people that has the knowledge and skill to do a job that not everyone could do.

“In my opinion being on the line crew at Great River Energy is the best job there is. We have the best people, very good equipment and the variety in our jobs is great.”

— Mike Heinz, line technician foreperson

Lineworkers are critical to the success of Great River Energy.

“Our lineworkers are an inspiration to all of us. They step up and into to the challenges they face, sometimes under dire circumstances. And they do it while committed to the safety of themselves and others around them” said Priti Patel, Great River Energy’s vice president and chief transmission operator.

Great River Energy encourages others to celebrate line technicians and the work they do.

Take a moment to thank all line technicians on April 10.