April 13, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Sioux Valley Energy, Southeastern Electric Cooperative and Xcel Energy.

Behind every light switch and power outlet is a network of dedicated professionals who work around the clock — often in the most difficult conditions — to keep the lights on.

In celebration of Lineworker Appreciation Month, three veterans of the trade shared their stories of how they found their purpose in a career that is as demanding as it is rewarding.

The calling to be a lineworker is different for everyone. Jon Hoffman, operations manager at Xcel Energy, recalls an elementary school memory when a neighbor who worked at the local utility brought home a bucket truck.

“He actually put me inside his bucket truck, and I never forgot that,” Hoffman said.

For Jake Dybedahl, journey lineman at Sioux Valley Energy, the appeal was the opportunity to work outdoors and tackle hands-on challenges.

“It’s a very diverse job,” Dybedahl explained. “You don’t know what’s coming your way next. You’ll be fixing lights one minute, and the next minute someone’s dug into an underground line.”

The job of a lineman is different day by day and is far from predictable. From routine maintenance to emergency storm response, these professionals head out in the storm when others take shelter.

Jason Peterson, a foreman at Southeastern Electric Cooperative, reflected on the intense demands of storm jobs, recalling a massive ice storm in Kansas that required a collaborative effort across multiple utilities.

The ultimate reward, however, is the impact on the consumers. Hoffman recalls a storm response in North Carolina where residents had been without power for a week.

“They never asked us when the power would come back on,” he remembers. “They just told us, ‘We’re just happy you’re here.’ I’m so fortunate to be in a trade where I found my purpose,” Hoffman said.

Despite the long hours and difficulty of the job, the sense of community connection keeps lineworkers motivated. Working closely together builds a unique bond.

“My crew is like my family; working together you grow to be like brothers,” Peterson said.

To all the lineworkers at Sioux Valley Energy, Southeastern Electric Cooperative and Xcel Energy: Thank you for your tireless work and for keeping our world bright.