Illuminating the People Behind The Power:
Lineworker Appreciation Day - April 14
North Dakota winters are unforgiving, with below-zero temperatures, snowstorms and the prairie wind bringing treacherous conditions. In these extreme conditions, reliable electricity isn’t just a convenience – it’s a lifeline.
McKenzie Electric lineworkers play a crucial role in ensuring members’ homes remain heated, businesses stay operational and emergency services continue to function. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to keep the power flowing, often facing some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. That’s why every year, on the second Monday in April, we shine a light on their contributions and commitment.
“Lineworker Appreciation Day is an opportunity to recognize the hardworking employees who keep the lights on,” says Zane Frick, McKenzie Electric director of operations. “Our crew consistently bands together when the members need it, whether it be outages or their daily construction tasks; they take great pride in their work and our cooperative is better for it.”
The willingness to serve is a common attribute amongst the crew. McKenzie Electric has lineworkers on call 24/7/365 and during extreme weather or large outage events, crews that aren’t on-call are readily available and eager to help get the job done. This willingness is measured best by our power availability percentage of 99.95% in 2024, surpassing our five-year historical average.
This dedication to reliability was evident not just in everyday work but also in times of crisis. In the past year, McKenzie Electric lineworkers encountered more than just thunderstorms and blizzards. In October, wildfires swept across the service area damaging farm structures, crops, and cooperative infrastructure vital to keeping the lights on. As soon as the blaze was controlled, line crews began rebuilding sections of line impacted by the fires.
“Mother Nature likes to decide for us when we’re going to be working long hours,” says Bill Hanson, McKenzie Electric Line Manager with a laugh. “Once we get the call, we don’t give up until every member has power – it’s what we do.”
Taking pride in serving the membership goes beyond restoring outages. Every day, McKenzie Electric’s line crew is tasked with various jobs throughout the Cooperative’s service area. Each job completed is done in a way that ensures the system is built strong and will continue to provide quality service for years to come.
The commitment to quality extends to every task, no matter how physically demanding or hazardous. Linework isn’t for the faint of heart and it’s no secret that working in this field is inherently dangerous. Aside from working around high voltage electricity, the physical demands of their work are equally intense. Hauling heavy equipment, climbing utility poles and trekking through the rough terrain of northwestern North Dakota are all part of the job. When bucket trucks are unable to reach certain areas, lineworkers climb with up to 40 pounds of safety gear and tools.
Because of the nature of their job, McKenzie Electric lineworkers often set the tone for our safety culture. Each morning before starting their workday, the line crew reviews their daily plan which includes a brief safety discussion led by the line manager.
“The bottom line is, we want everyone to go home the way they came,” says Hanson. “From apprentices to foreman, everyone is encouraged to speak up and do their part to be safe.”
While crucially important, this emphasis on safety goes beyond protecting the crew – it ensures they can continue serving members efficiently and reliably. After all, powering the lives of McKenzie Electric’s 4,807 member-owners would be impossible to do without healthy, well-trained lineworkers. Their strength, endurance and unwavering commitment ensure our communities stay powered, no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.
This Lineworker Appreciation Day, take a second to remember the ones who head into chaos to ensure the uninterrupted flow of power, fueling our constant connection, comfort and quality of life. If you see a lineworker, give them a wave or tell them how much they are appreciated. Remember, a little gratitude can mean the world to those who help keep ours running.