Georgia Power, the leading electric utility in the state, is celebrating Lineworker Appreciation Month this April by recognizing the exceptional efforts of its crews during Hurricane Helene in 2024. The company has been awarded the Emergency Recovery Award by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) for its swift response to the devastating storm that left over one million Georgians without power.
Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024, causing unprecedented destruction across Georgia. By the time the storm passed, it had downed hundreds of thousands of trees, damaged thousands of power poles, and grounded nearly 1,000 miles of power lines. This disaster marked the most destructive hurricane in Georgia Power’s 140-year history, with damages including over 11,800 broken power poles, 1,500 miles of downed lines, and 5,800 damaged transformers.
Kim Greene, chairman, president, and CEO of Georgia Power, expressed pride in the company’s employees. “The worst from Hurricane Helene certainly brought out the best in every Georgia Power employee – starting with our lineworkers on the front lines of our response to the historic storm,” Greene stated. “This award from EEI is a testament to their shared dedication and commitment to our neighbors and communities.”
In addition to the award, Georgia Power was recognized by state lawmakers, including Senator John Kennedy, who designated March 11 as Georgia Lineworker Day at the Georgia State Capitol. This recognition highlights the crucial role that lineworkers play in maintaining power infrastructure and responding to emergencies.
During the restoration efforts, Georgia Power’s crews were joined by teams from as far away as New Jersey, California, and Canada, totaling over 20,000 workers. Their collective efforts involved using helicopters, boats, and drones to assess and repair the extensive damage to the power grid.
“Throughout 2024, America’s electric companies and their dedicated workforce answered the call to help restore power and hope to communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters,” said Pat Vincent-Collawn, interim president and CEO of EEI. “EEI commends Georgia Power for its efforts to respond safely and efficiently to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to its workforce and the community, Georgia Power announced plans to hire approximately 180 new lineworkers over the next several years. This initiative aligns with the company’s dedication to investing in its employees through multi-year apprenticeship programs and continued education opportunities.
Georgia Power is collaborating with several technical colleges to recruit and train new talent. The Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Certification (ELAC) programs offer essential skills, the chance to obtain a CDL license, and hands-on experience in the field. Many of these programs can be completed in just 8-12 weeks and can be nearly free of cost through Hope Grants.
Participating technical colleges include Atlanta Technical College, Coastal Pines Technical College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, North Georgia Technical College, South Georgia Technical College, West Georgia Technical College, and the ELITE Lineman Training Institute.
In celebration of Lineworker Appreciation Month, Georgia Power is inviting residents to follow their Instagram account (@ga_power) as local line crews share their experiences and stories from Hurricane Helene. The company has scheduled features of different crews throughout April, including a crew from Vidalia on April 11, a crew from Network Underground (Atlanta) on April 18, and a crew from Rome on April 23.
As the month progresses, Georgia Power aims to highlight the dedication and hard work of its lineworkers, who play an essential role in ensuring that power is restored safely and efficiently during emergencies. This recognition not only honors the past work done by these individuals but also emphasizes the importance of continuing to build a skilled workforce for the future.
Georgia Power’s commitment to its employees and customers is evident in its ongoing efforts to enhance service and response capabilities. The Emergency Recovery Award from EEI stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the company and its workforce, especially in times of crisis.
As the utility moves forward, it remains focused on improving its infrastructure and preparing for future challenges, ensuring that it can continue to serve Georgia’s residents effectively.
