Georgia Power Celebrates Lineworker Appreciation Month While Expanding Workforce to Support Georgia’s Growing Energy Infrastructure
Georgia Power, the largest electric utility in the state of Georgia, is joining utilities across the United States in recognizing April as Lineworker Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to honoring the thousands of skilled professionals who maintain and operate the electric grid. As the company observes this annual recognition, it is also highlighting the vital role its lineworkers play in supporting Georgia’s rapid economic growth and ensuring reliable electricity for millions of customers.
Serving approximately 2.8 million customers statewide, Georgia Power relies on a highly trained workforce of lineworkers and power delivery specialists who build, maintain, and repair the infrastructure that delivers electricity to homes, businesses, and industries. Their work often takes place under demanding conditions—whether restoring power after severe storms, upgrading aging equipment, or constructing new transmission lines to meet rising energy demand.
Supporting Georgia’s Rapid Growth
Georgia is currently experiencing a period of extraordinary economic expansion, attracting major manufacturing facilities, technology companies, and large-scale industrial developments. This surge in economic activity is driving increased demand for electricity and placing greater importance on maintaining a resilient and efficient energy grid.
In 2025, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved Georgia Power’s updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), a long-term strategy designed to ensure the state’s power system remains reliable and capable of supporting future growth. A key component of this plan is the company’s 10-year transmission expansion strategy, which outlines major upgrades and infrastructure investments.
Under the plan, Georgia Power intends to construct more than 1,000 miles of new transmission infrastructure across the state. These projects are aimed at strengthening grid resilience, improving efficiency, and ensuring that new residential communities and industrial developments have access to reliable power.
Lineworkers play a central role in executing this ambitious plan. They are responsible not only for constructing new power lines and substations but also for maintaining and upgrading the existing network that keeps electricity flowing throughout Georgia.
Strengthening Reliability Through Grid Investment
Alongside the transmission expansion plan, Georgia Power continues to invest heavily in grid modernization through its Grid Investment Program, a multi-year initiative focused on improving reliability and system performance statewide.
In 2025, the program exceeded its performance targets. Georgia Power completed 104 distribution system improvement projects, surpassing the original goal of 88 projects for the year. These upgrades included the installation of stronger poles, modernized equipment, and enhanced protective technologies designed to reduce outages and improve restoration times.
The company also advanced 25 major transmission projects, which included five transmission line upgrades and 20 substation enhancements. Substations are critical facilities that transform and distribute electricity throughout local networks, and upgrades help ensure the grid can accommodate higher power loads and integrate modern technologies.
Collectively, these infrastructure improvements have already enhanced electric reliability for more than 504,000 customers across Georgia. Lineworkers have been instrumental in carrying out this work, ensuring projects are completed safely and efficiently while minimizing disruptions to customers.
Recognizing the Role of Lineworkers
Utilities across the country have recognized April as Lineworker Appreciation Month for more than a decade. The observance honors the thousands of professionals who maintain power lines, respond to emergencies, and keep the electrical grid operating around the clock.
Georgia Power has proudly participated in the national recognition since 2014, highlighting the dedication and expertise of its lineworkers each year.
In 2026, the state further formalized this recognition through Senate Resolution 756, which officially designates April 13 as Georgia Lineworker Appreciation Day. The resolution acknowledges the essential role lineworkers play in maintaining reliable electricity and supporting communities throughout the state.
Lineworkers often work in challenging environments, including extreme weather conditions and hazardous situations. Their responsibilities range from climbing utility poles and installing new equipment to repairing storm-damaged lines and restoring service during emergencies.
Their work is particularly critical during severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or winter storms, when rapid restoration of power can have a significant impact on public safety and economic stability.
Sharing Stories of the People Behind the Grid
Throughout April, Georgia Power is encouraging customers and community members to learn more about the people behind the power system by following the company’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Through these channels, the company is sharing stories about the daily lives of lineworkers, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the demanding yet rewarding work they perform to keep the lights on for millions of Georgians.
The initiative aims to increase public awareness of the profession while celebrating the contributions of those who dedicate their careers to maintaining the state’s electrical infrastructure.
Expanding Career Opportunities
As Georgia’s energy infrastructure continues to grow, Georgia Power is also expanding its workforce to meet rising demand. The company’s Power Delivery division, which includes lineworkers and other grid specialists, hires an average of about 700 employees annually across multiple roles.
Looking ahead, Georgia Power expects to hire approximately 200 lineworkers each year to support its ongoing infrastructure projects and maintain its expanding grid network.
According to Lindsay Hill, senior vice president of human resources at Georgia Power, the company’s workforce strategy focuses on creating high-quality career opportunities while ensuring the state has the skilled professionals needed to support its energy future.
Hill emphasized that Georgia’s status as a leading destination for business investment is generating strong demand for skilled labor, including positions in the energy sector.
Georgia Power is responding by increasing hiring efforts, strengthening partnerships with technical colleges, and developing clear career pathways for students and skilled workers interested in entering the field.
Training the Next Generation of Lineworkers
To support workforce development, Georgia Power collaborates with technical colleges throughout the state to recruit and train new talent. These partnerships help ensure that aspiring lineworkers receive the technical education and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the industry.
More than 60 percent of newly hired Georgia Power lineworkers come from technical schools that offer Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Certification (ELAC) programs.
The ELAC programs provide foundational training in essential lineworker skills, including electrical safety, pole climbing, equipment operation, and system maintenance. Participants also have the opportunity to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which is required to operate many utility vehicles used in the field.
Many ELAC programs can be completed in as little as eight to twelve weeks, making them an accessible pathway into a high-demand profession. In addition, students may qualify for financial assistance through the HOPE Grant, which can significantly reduce or eliminate tuition costs.
Technical colleges across Georgia currently offering ELAC programs include:
- Atlanta Technical College
- Coastal Pines Technical College
- Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College
- North Georgia Technical College
- South Georgia Technical College
- West Georgia Technical College
- ELITE Lineman Training Institute
These programs combine classroom instruction with practical training, preparing graduates for careers in power delivery and other energy-sector roles.
Building the Future Energy Workforce
For more than a century, Georgia Power has played a central role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that powers Georgia’s economy. As the state continues to grow and modernize, the demand for skilled lineworkers and energy professionals is expected to remain strong.
By celebrating Lineworker Appreciation Month and expanding workforce development initiatives, Georgia Power aims to both recognize the contributions of its current employees and inspire the next generation of energy professionals.
Through ongoing infrastructure investments, training partnerships, and recruitment efforts, the company is working to ensure that Georgia’s electrical grid remains strong, resilient, and capable of supporting the state’s continued economic success for decades to come.
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