During April, we recognize the electric cooperative lineworkers who answer the call
April 2026
by Laura Emery, Staff Writer
Across Virginia and Maryland, electric cooperative lineworkers stand ready in every season and every storm.
When the lights go out, they answer the call — leaving their families, navigating challenging conditions and working long hours to restore power as safely and quickly as possible for the communities they serve.
Their work is demanding, physical and at times dangerous. Yet they face it with skill, discipline and a deep sense of commitment to the communities they live, work and raise their families in. Whether it’s routine maintenance or emergency response during severe weather events, lineworkers train rigorously to ensure they are prepared to safely respond to whatever challenge comes their way.
This month, we recognize the brave men and women whose dedication reflects the very heart of the cooperative spirit — neighbors serving neighbors.
When storms impact the communities served by the member cooperatives of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, lineworkers are ready. Much of their work happens out of sight, but the impact is felt in every home, school, farm and business they help keep connected.
Electricity is woven into the rhythm of daily life, and behind that reliability is a lineworker who cares deeply about the people he or she serves — the electric cooperative members who place their trust in them.
In honor of National Lineworker Appreciation Day (acknowledged on both April 13 and 18), take a moment to thank your local lineworkers by visiting your electric cooperative’s social media pages and leaving a note of appreciation for their service, dedication and unwavering commitment to the communities they serve.
In 2013, the U.S. Senate set April 18 as the official day of honor for lineworkers. However, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association observes the second Monday of April to avoid weekend conflicts. Cooperatives throughout Virginia, Maryland and Delaware vary on their observance of the day.