Carrollton, GA – This month, Carroll EMC will join co-ops across the nation and other utilities to celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Month.
“One day is not enough to thank our linemen for the essential part they play within our communities and our Members’ lives every day,” said Tim Martin, Carroll EMC CEO.
As a result, Georgia’s electric utilities have set aside the month of April (rather than one day) to recognize and honor these highly-skilled men and women.
“These men and women have an extremely dangerous job and face many hazards every workday,” said Tommy Cook, Carroll EMC Manager of Construction. “They often face treacherous weather conditions while they work through ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and floods to restore service.”
In fact, business leaders, Carroll EMC Members and lawmakers in Georgia recently provided added protection for utility linemen through passage of House Bill 767, a new law which requires any motorist approaching utility linemen at an active work site, as indicated by traffic cones or flashing yellow, amber, white or red lights, to change lanes or reduce their speed to a reasonable and proper speed below the posted speed limit.
Any motorist who does not change lanes or drop his/her speed to avoid the utility workers can be fined up to $250 per incident. The law, which became effective July 1, 2016, applies to all types of utility workers, including electric, natural gas, cable and telecommunications workers, right-of-way crews or utility contractors.
“Linemen work around the clock to ensure quick and reliable service to our Members,” said Cook. “They are facing occupational hazards frequently but with extensive training they are able to keep the communities’ lights on while not only ensuring the public’s safety but their own as well.”
Carroll EMC is proud to honor the linemen who maintain approximately 5,300 miles of power lines in Carroll EMC’s service territory.
To show your appreciation, and as a sign of respect and support, please take a moment and thank a lineman for the work they do by visiting Carroll EMC’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn pages and using the hashtag #ThankALineman.
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.
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