It takes a dedicated team of professionals to operate your electric cooperative and provide the reliable power you depend on each day. Among them, our most visible—and often most recognized—are our Lineworkers.
Each year, Haywood EMC joins electric cooperatives across North Carolina and the nation in observing Lineworker Appreciation Day, held on the second Monday in April. This special day recognizes the critical role Lineworkers play in delivering safe, reliable electricity to our member-owners.
Here in Western North Carolina, the work of a Lineworker is especially demanding. Haywood EMC’s service area is defined by rugged, mountainous terrain that presents unique challenges not faced by many utilities. Our crews routinely climb poles in remote locations that are inaccessible by vehicle. They carry heavy equipment up steep mountain slopes, often in rain, snow, ice, or extreme heat. In many areas, rocky soil requires them to dig pole holes by hand—a physically demanding task that calls for both strength and determination. This is not simply a job; it is skilled, strenuous work performed under some of the most challenging conditions in our state.
Whether braving bitter winter temperatures to restore power after an ice storm, working extended hours following a tropical storm, responding to outages in the middle of the night, or performing the ongoing maintenance and construction necessary to strengthen our system, our Lineworkers are there for you—our member-owners.
Their commitment extends beyond our local communities. When disaster strikes other parts of the state or nation, Haywood EMC Lineworkers answer the call for mutual aid. In the weeks following Hurricane Helene’s devastation across Western North Carolina, this spirit of service and the cooperative principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” were on full display. Electric cooperatives from across the country stood shoulder to shoulder, restoring power and hope to communities in need. We are proud that Haywood EMC crews both give and receive this support when it matters most.
On Lineworker Appreciation Day, I encourage you to join me in recognizing the men and women who work tirelessly—often behind the scenes—to keep your lights on and your homes and businesses powered. If you see our crews in the community, please take a moment to thank them for their service.
You can also help us celebrate by sharing photos of Haywood EMC Lineworkers on the job through social media on April 13. Use the hashtag #ThankALineman and tag our accounts so we can join you in recognizing their outstanding work.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Haywood EMC team, thank you, Lineworkers, for your professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.
- Tom Batchelor, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President