Industry leaders, labor representatives, and members of Congress and their staff gathered for the National Lineworker Appreciation Day Reception on July 14 to recognize the dedication, skill, and sacrifice of the men and women who work every day to keep America's energy grid running. 

Hosted by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the event celebrated lineworkers as essential members of the nation’s energy workforce. 

EEI Chief Advocacy Officer Kiel Weaver thanked IBEW and NECA for their partnership, as well as the members of Congress who co-sponsored resolutions to honor America's lineworkers on July 10 in the U.S. House and Senate. 

“Most important, thank you to the lineworkers themselves. You are the face of this industry and the reason the lights stay on,” Weaver said. 

“America’s lineworkers are true heroes, through the wind and the hail, through bitter heat and cold, hurricanes, floods, and every kind of natural disaster you can imagine,” said IBEW International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble. “They do this for one reason—to keep the power going for our schools, our hospitals, our businesses, and our homes.” 

Noble also highlighted the importance of collaboration across the industry, recognizing the strong labor-management partnership between electric companies, workers, and contractors that improves safety and strengthens the electric power industry. 

NECA District 10 Executive Director Robbie Foxen emphasized that reliable electricity depends on the expertise and dedication of lineworkers. 

“Reliability doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because of the skill, dedication, and commitment of our nation’s lineworkers,” Foxen said. “Lineworkers are the first responders of the energy industry.” 

Foxen added that as America enters a new era of electrification and energy growth, lineworkers will play an increasingly important role in building, maintaining, and enhancing the electric grid. 

Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ), an electrician by trade and an active IBEW member, recognized the training and teamwork required to restore power during emergencies. 

“When the lights go out, when the storm comes in, we have a core group of well-trained individuals who know how to do it as part of a team,” Norcross said. 

He also acknowledged the risks lineworkers take to serve their communities. 

“The idea of putting your hands around the wire—15,000 volts—with only that glove protecting you, and going up heights of several hundred feet—this is what they do day in and day out,” Norcross said. 

The National Lineworker Reception served as a reminder that behind every light switch is a dedicated workforce committed to keeping communities powered, safe, and connected. As electric companies continue to deliver the energy of every day, lineworkers will remain essential to building and maintaining the infrastructure that powers America. 

On March 16, leaders of EEI member companies and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) locals convened for the National Labor and Management Public Affairs Committee (LAMPAC) conference in Washington, D.C. 

During the conference, officials explored challenges and new opportunities facing the energy industry and its workforce. They also discussed how policies and regulatory support can drive energy infrastructure buildout as electric companies work to meet rising demand and connect large load customers to the grid. 

“The partnership between EEI and IBEW is essential to delivering reliable energy to the communities we serve across the nation,” said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney during his opening remarks. “Ninety percent of EEI member companies’ organized labor are represented by the IBEW, and that partnership is foundational to our success.” 

“What an amazing time to be in the industry,” said IBEW Director of the Utility Department and National LAMPAC Co-President Drew Stover. “The buildout and expansion of our infrastructure and workforce ahead of us is like nothing we have seen in decades.” 

Powering Partnerships 

The first panel, “Powering Leadership and Partnerships in the Industry,” highlighted the top priorities for America’s electric companies and their workforce and reinforced the value of a strong labor-management partnership. Maloney moderated a panel featured EEI Chair and Exelon President and CEO Calvin Butler; Ameren Corporation Chairman, President and CEO Marty Lyons; IBEW International President Kenny Cooper; and IBEW International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble. 

When Butler was serving as president of Baltimore Gas and Electric, an Exelon subsidiary, he worked on union negotiations with Cooper, who was IBEW Vice President of the Fourth District at that time. 

“We wanted the best for our employees, our company, and our communities. When you get through all the noise, that was at the core of what was driving us and has guided our relationship,” Butler said. 

“It’s not how we agree that matters; it’s how we disagree,” Cooper said. “Most of the time, we find common ground.” 

Lyons applauded IBEW workers’ efforts to help with recovery efforts after a major storm hit communities served by Ameren last year. 

“The partnership we had with IBEW is fantastic. Last year, we had a tornado come through downtown St. Louis. When you saw the devastation this tornado left, it looked like a war zone,” Lyons said. “We had 3,000 folks come out to help with recovery. We deployed $100 million over the course of eight days. We got customers restored … at the end of the week, I was truly emotional seeing what our crews were able to do.” 

“We’re better together,” Noble agreed, “and we can accomplish a lot more together than if we go alone.” 

To learn more about National LAMPAC, visit its website. 

2026 LAMPAC Awards 

Each year, the John D. Dingell Award and the Edwin D. Hill Award are presented during the LAMPAC Award Ceremony. This year, EEI and the IBEW presented the first Edwin D. Hill Award to Ameren Missouri and IBEW Local 1439 for their partnership to advance economic development in the communities they serve. Learn more about Ameren Missouri and IBEW Local 949’s initiative. 

The second Edwin D. Hill Award was presented to Alliant Energy, IBEW Local 949, and IBEW Local 204 for their work to educate voters about a proposed ballot initiative that jeopardized union jobs and energy reliability for customers. Learn more about Alliant Energy and IBEW Locals 949 and 204’s efforts. 

The John D. Dingell Award was presented to Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) in recognition of their steadfast support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Learn more about Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed's (D-RI) work to champion LIHEAP. 

Scroll through the photo gallery below.

Lineworkers are essential to the electric power industry’s efforts to enhance and strengthen the energy grid. They play a key role in building, installing, and maintaining the critical energy infrastructure and smart grid technologies that are helping to reduce outage times and to keep customer bills as low as possible. They work around the clock and in dangerous conditions after hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and other extreme weather events to restore power and hope to impacted communities. 

Electric Perspectives spoke with five lineworkers who are members of IBEW Local chapters and who work for EEI member companies to learn more about the day-to-day realities of the trade. These highly skilled workers power our economy and our way of life, and we are grateful for their service.

On July 9, industry and labor leaders and representatives gathered at the Rayburn House Office Building to honor the brave men and women who help maintain America’s energy grid and power our nation. The Lineworker Appreciation Day Reception, held ahead of the annual National Lineworker Appreciation Day on July 10, celebrated workers’ commitment to service and dedication to their communities.

Representatives from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and Pepco Holdings thanked the more than 150 members of Congress who cosponsored resolutions honoring lineworkers. The resolution was championed by U.S. Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

Those at the event also saluted lineworkers across the country, including those in attendance from Pepco (members of IBEW Local #1900) and Entergy (members of IBEW Local #2286).

“These brave men and women are the face of our industry. They are essential to keeping the lights on for the customers and the communities we proudly serve,” said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney. “They're the first responders who head towards danger when others are moving away and work around the clock to restore power.”

Maloney also commended lineworkers for their role in helping advance EEI member companies’ collective vision for a safe, reliable, and secure energy future.

IBEW Utility Director Drew Stover recounted the life of Henry Miller, a union organizer, lineworker, and the first president of the IBEW, who died on July 10, 1896, while restoring power in Washington, D.C. National Lineworker Appreciation Day is observed on July 10 to honor his legacy.

“He would be proud that there has been so much progress—not just in safety conditions, but in the IBEW’s partnership with management and with elected officials to bring about those changes,” Stover said. “You all meet every challenge and literally power America.”

NECA CEO David Long thanked EEI and the IBEW for their partnership and emphasized efforts to improve worker safety. “We’ve been able to reduce accidents and deaths on the job, and we’ll continue to have an impact, because we want to make sure that each one of you goes home every day,” he said.

Pepco Holdings President and CEO Tyler Anthony thanked IBEW Local #1900 leaders for their partnership on workforce development programs, as well as the lineworkers in attendance for working long days and in challenging conditions to ensure reliability during recent storms and a severe heatwave. “These lineworkers put their skills to work every day, and they are committed to maintaining and improving critical grid infrastructure,” he said.

Be sure to #ThankALineworker today and every day for their unwavering dedication.

L to R: Pat Vincent-Collawn, Interim President and CEO, EEI; Kenny Cooper, International President, IBEW; EEI Vice Chair Calvin Butler, President and CEO, Exelon Corporation; EEI Chair Maria Pope, President and CEO, Portland General Electric; and Paul Noble, International Secretary-Treasurer, IBEW.

EEI partnered with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in early March to host the 18th annual National Labor and Management Public Affairs Committee (LAMPAC) meeting, bringing together leaders in energy and organized labor to celebrate their long-standing partnership and to advance their shared priorities.

During a series of keynote addresses and panel discussions at the annual event in Washington, D.C., speakers discussed best practices for fostering a culture of safety and mental health, security concerns, federal and state policy, and more.

“We are stronger when we work together, and our public policy achievements and regional successes in recent years are a testament to that,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn during opening remarks that highlighted the strength of industry-labor partnerships.

LAMPAC, along with its four regional organizations covering all 50 states, was formed nearly two decades ago by former EEI President and CEO Tom Kuhn and then-IBEW International President Ed Hill to serve as a powerful voice on federal and state issues relevant to the industry. In addition to the annual day-long national meeting, the regional LAMPAC organizations host meetings throughout the year to share best practices and to address regional and local issues.

EEI Chair Maria Pope, president and CEO of Portland General Electric, moderates a panel discussion about leadership and the partnership between the electric power industry and organized labor.

Following Vincent-Collawn’s welcome, EEI Chair Maria Pope, president and CEO of Portland General Electric, and EEI Vice Chair Calvin Butler, president and CEO of Exelon Corporation, participated in a leadership discussion with IBEW International President Kenny Cooper and IBEW International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble. Butler and Cooper recalled working on a collective bargaining agreement together when Butler was CEO of Baltimore Gas & Electric, which Butler described as “a positive and impactful example of what can be accomplished when labor and management work together.”

“By working side-by-side to expand and maintain critical energy infrastructure and to keep the lights on for our communities, we are better able to serve our workers, our companies, and most important, our customers,” said Pope.

Later in the day, Puget Sound Energy President and CEO Mary Kipp and Duke Energy Florida State President Melissa Seixas participated in a panel discussion about the importance of investing in grid resilience and emergency response capabilities. Seixas discussed Duke Energy’s response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, noting that, although the back-to-back storms devastated parts of the company’s service territory along the Gulf Coast, resilience investments made prior to the storm mitigated what could have been an even more significant impact.

Kipp noted the progress the industry has made in reducing serious injuries and fatalities during the past several years, praising her colleagues and the IBEW for “focusing on high energy hazards of all kinds as an industry.” Kipp, who co-chairs the EEI CEO Task Force on Wildfires, also discussed the industry’s focus on wildfire prevention and mitigation across the country.

Entergy Chair and CEO Drew Marsh participated in the next panel, which focused on energy security. He noted that the industry is working with organized labor to meet the energy needs of data centers that have “speed-to-market as a mantra” and the rising demand for electricity they create. 

“This is a challenge from a capacity standpoint,” he said. “We all need to be part of this conversation. We are engaged with the IBEW to meet these needs safely and as partners.”

L to R: Doug Cannon, President and CEO, NV Energy; Tyler Anthony, President and CEO, Pepco; and Jerry R. Williford Jr., Business Manager of Local 1900, IBEW.

The need for a skilled workforce to build and maintain the infrastructure serving data centers and other critical energy infrastructure was a theme throughout the National LAMPAC meeting and the subject of a panel discussion in the afternoon, featuring NV Energy President and CEO Doug Cannon and Pepco President and CEO Tyler Anthony. Cannon highlighted NV Energy’s efforts to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education among grade-school students in the company’s service territory, potentially helping to drive interest in the industry and attract skilled workers down the road.

Anthony, similarly, highlighted the importance of STEM, highlighting a series of academies that the Exelon Corporation, Pepco’s parent company, has opened in partnership with the Cal Ripken. Jr. Foundation. Anthony also highlighted the D.C. Infrastructure Academy’s Pepco Utility Training Program, which offers paid skills training and certifications to aspiring energy workers in Washington, D.C. Read more about the academy in the Winter 2025 issue of Electric Perspectives.

“For all of us, if you ask how you define workforce development, you might get very different answers. What it means to me is giving people a chance and opportunity to get into this industry that may not have always been available,” Anthony said.

During the meeting, U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) received the John D. Dingell Award in recognition of their bipartisan work to recognize July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.

Named for one of the longest-serving members of Congress, the John D. Dingell Award is presented to leaders who exemplify and promote labor-management cooperation and whose efforts have helped to advance the common objectives of the electric power industry and IBEW members. Former Representative Dingell chaired the House Energy and Commerce Committee for many years and amassed an impressive record of bipartisan accomplishments on a wide range of issues, many of which focused on labor-management collaboration.

Separately, EEI and IBEW presented the Edwin D. Hill Award to IBEW Utility Department Director Donnie Colston for his four decades of service and leadership in IBEW and IBEW Local 2100, and to San Diego Gas & Electric and IBEW Local 465 for their efforts to educate their community about state and local initiatives.