The Unsung Heroes

As a young engineer starting my career in the utility industry 25 years ago, I often wondered, “Who are the men and women who leave their homes and families to mobilize and prepare for an incoming storm?”  They would unselfishly work long days and well into the night, all united by one goal – to restore the vital energy and water services for their customers and communities.  These men and women are our utility workers.They work each and every day to deliver energy and water to our homes and businesses, and they go above and beyond during unforeseen natural disasters to keep the lights on, our homes warm, and the water flowing.  All so we can have access to the safe and reliable energy services we depend on.   

Our utility workers often go unnoticed because so much of their work takes place behind the scenes. Yet when customers turn on the lights, they expect power, and when they turn on the tap, they expect water. Customers expect reliable service no matter the circumstances, and so our utility workers prevail through heavy winds, rain, snow, sleet, and extreme hot or cold weather.  For you.  For our communities.  All to uphold thecommitment they made when they entered the utility industry – to provide safe and reliable service to your home and your family. 

Throughout the years I have had the fortune to collaborate with, break bread and enjoy meals with our utility workers across the country. I enjoy learning about who they are as individuals, their families, their dreams, and even their uncensored humor.  I find that the most insightful conversations are about what motivates them to do what they do. 

What I have learned is that the utility business is a calling.  It is especially appealing to those who have a passion to serve.  Our utility workers find strength and motivation in an industry that few people know anything about, and they come to work with the purpose of serving our communities.  They understand the responsibility of delivering a vital resource and take tremendous pride in doing so.

 

I am honored to say I have and continue to work with the unsung heroes “our Utility Workers, and proud of each one of them

My dad was a welder who worked extremely hard to provide for his family.  Many days, I saw him come home exhausted, wearing his welding overallsand smelling of rusted iron. But he  always had a sense of accomplishment from the work he did.  My dad has since passed away, but I truly feel his presence with every opportunity I get to talk, sit, walk, and work with our utility workers.  They feel that same sense of accomplishment from their work, knowing they are providing essential resources and services to people across the United States. Our “blue-collar” workers are the backbone of our vital utility infrastructure.

It takes a special type of commitment to perform tasks in the middle of a storm while leaving their loved ones behind. They may be on top of a pole while the wind is whipping or in a hole while the rain is beating down. Most of these extraordinary men and women did not have the option of working from home during the COVID-19 lockdown, yet they showed up every day and night to make sure you have the water and energy you need for life.

The next time you turn on your faucet, flip that light switch, or even turn that stove knob during a storm, please remember the team of professionals keeping your services intact.You may not see them, but they are a part of your vital home support system.   

I am honored to say I have worked with and continue to work with these unsung heroes – our utility workers – and am proud of every one of them.  They continue toshow up and make it possible to receive the water and energy that is so essential to life.  Thank you – our Unsung Heroes.