MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Lineworkers from across Alabama were recognized Wednesday during Lineman Appreciation Day, an annual event highlighting the critical role they play in restoring power and keeping the lights on.
The Energy Institute of Alabama hosted the event at Dixie Electric Cooperative in Montgomery, bringing together crews from utilities across the state.
When severe weather hits, lineworkers are often first on the scene, replacing damaged poles, repairing downed lines and clearing the way for recovery efforts — work that frequently puts them in dangerous conditions.
“Most of us don’t realize how hard of a job it is to keep the lights on,” said Energy Institute of Alabama President and CEO Clay Scofield. “But these linemen do it every day, and the Energy Institute wants to recognize that and thank them for their commitment to ensuring that Alabamians have the power they need.”
Lineworkers in attendance represented several of the institute’s member organizations, including Alabama Power Company, Alabama Rural Electric Association, Energy Southeast, Electric Cities of Alabama, PowerSouth Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The event also included the presentation of the Lineman of the Year Award.
Jay Johnson, a lineman with Alabama Power based in the Prattville operations area, was named this year’s recipient.
According to organizers, Johnson led his division and the company in callouts in 2025, responding to 310 outages with 100 percent availability. He also completed 1,661 work orders while assisting multiple service areas, including Prattville and Wetumpka.
State Sen. April Weaver, R–Alabaster, who was among the lawmakers behind establishing Lineman Appreciation Day, said the recognition carries personal meaning.
“The work our linemen do is critical to our daily lives,” Weaver said. “I know the dedication it takes to be a lineman. My grandfather was one, and I remember learning from a young age that a storm meant that he would be out in tough conditions for days or weeks at a time restoring power to communities in need. I want these linemen here today to know that I thank them and their families for all they do to ensure we have access to the electricity we need.”
National Lineman Appreciation Day is observed annually on April 18.
Organizers say the recognition serves as a reminder of the essential role lineworkers play in maintaining reliable electricity across Alabama, particularly during times of severe weather.
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