Keeping the Lights on

What does an electric lineworker do?

While it takes each employee across all departments to keep operations running smoothly at SCPPD, one of the more visible jobs is that of a lineworker. You may see one of ours working 35 feet (or more) overhead or maintaining lines at ground level. We entrust your safety to our lineworkers, so they hold a very important job. We also rely on their expertise to power our world. On any given day or night, and in all kinds of weather conditions, these specialized workers install and maintain overhead and underground electrical systems. Components of these systems include power lines, transformers, fuses, insulators, and other related equipment.

Safety comes first
Lineworkers must commit to safety above all else. They spend numerous hours in safety trainings each year and must understand and apply crucial safety regulations.

Electrical lineworkers are specially trained to:
• Climb poles to service power lines in areas inaccessible by trucks.
• Stand in an elevated bucket to assess and repair overhead lines.
• Install poles, overhead lines and other equipment.
• Work on both energized and deenergized lines.
• Install and service underground lines.

Protective clothing is required to shield lineworkers since they work around high voltages. Collectively, gear components can weigh up to 45 pounds.