Thanks to the lineworkers who keep the lights on

Great River Energy, wholesale power provider to 26 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 13, 2026, Lineworker Appreciation Day.

“Our line technicians take great pride in their craft and the responsibility that comes with it,” said Priti Patel, vice president and chief transmission officer. “They play a critical role in keeping the power flowing in our region and getting the lights back on when storms strike. Whether they’re performing planned maintenance or responding to an unexpected outage, they show up with professionalism, teamwork and a strong commitment to safety. Their work makes a real difference for our member-owners and communities every day.”

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

Great River Energy has 37 line technicians that dedicate themselves to serve local communities and assist Great River Energy in ensuring 1.7 million Minnesotans receive reliable electric service every single day of the year. Line technicians help maintain and operate Great River Energy’s more than 5,100 miles of transmission lines and 109 substations in communities across Minnesota and North Dakota. They also help maintain assets for other organizations. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has dedicated the second Monday in April every year as a time to thank and recognize lineworkers for their service. If you see a lineworker in the community, Great River Energy encourages you to say hello and thank them for the work they do in keeping the electric system running efficiently and reliably.