(NEWARK, N.J. – April 18, 2018)  Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, honors the 600 linemen and linewomen who play a vital role in keeping our customers safe and ensuring best-in-class electric service. PSE&G also salutes the more than 121,000 men and women nationally who undertake this tough yet rewarding work.

“While I’m always proud of our line workers, they’ve met huge challenges these past few months facing everything from back-to-back nor’easters to pitching in on mutual aid cleanup,” said John Latka, senior vice president of electric and gas operations for PSE&G. “They’ve put in herculean efforts and they deserve all of the accolades and support we can give them.”

Line workers play a vital role in the nation’s economy by helping maintain and grow the electric infrastructure that powers our lives. These men and women are first responders during storms, working 16-hour shifts until every customer is safe and restored. They routinely work at heights 20 feet and above, carrying 30 pounds or more of equipment. The profession is infused with personal, family and professional tradition.

Line workers undergo vigorous training and apprenticeship for up to four years to master the work that has them on call around the clock, 365 days a year. They make many sacrifices to restore power including working under harsh conditions and for extended periods away from their families.

Check out our blog, #ThankALineman, on Energize! honoring our hundreds of linemen and linewomen who work around the clock, in all types of weather, to do one thing: keep the lights on.

To show appreciation for line workers and their families, use the hashtag #thankalineman on social media.