CUMMING, GA – On April 13th, electric membership corporations (EMCs) across the state celebrate Lineman Appreciation Day, a special recognition dedicated to honoring the hard work, bravery and unwavering commitment of electric linemen, including those at Sawnee EMC.

Linemen work around the clock, often in dangerous conditions far from home, to build, maintain and repair energy infrastructure, handling thousands of volts of electricity high atop utility poles and power lines.

While much of their work occurs behind the scenes, the critical role of electric linemen becomes strikingly evident during emergencies, like the recent Winter Storm Fern, when power outages disrupt daily life. These everyday heroes restore not only electricity but hope, working under extreme conditions to rebuild damaged infrastructure and bring power and normalcy back to homes and businesses.

“Through every storm, every day and every night spent working on power lines, our linemen show unparalleled commitment,” said Chet Blackstock, Sawnee EMC Vice President of Operations “They work tirelessly to restore power to our members, even stepping up to assist neighboring cooperatives in their time of need. The dedication of our linemen is a perfect depiction of the cooperative spirit.”

To formally recognize the contributions of lineworkers and their unwavering service to Georgia communities, state lawmakers introduced resolutions to designate April 13, 2026 as Lineworker Appreciation Day:

• House Resolution 1352, led by House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Chairman Don Parsons (R – Marietta)
• Senate Resolution 756, spearheaded by Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Chairman Bill Cowsert (R – Athens)

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LINEWORKERS:

• #ThankALineworker
  Everyone is encouraged to show their appreciation on April 13th by posting messages of gratitude to lineworkers on social media using the hashtag #ThankALineworker.
   
• Lineworker Specialty License Plate
  In honor of their service, the state of Georgia offers a specialty license plate for lineworkers. Proceeds from the sale of the “Thank a Lineman” license plate support the Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America, which provides assistance to burn patients and their families at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta.

Georgians can purchase the specialty plate by visiting the Department of Revenue website when renewing their annual motor vehicle registration.

About Sawnee EMC
Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation, a five-time J.D. Power recipient for best in customer satisfaction, is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to approximately 203,646 meters in seven (7) counties of greater north Georgia. Sawnee’s total assets exceed $1 billion, with energy sales of 3.7 billion kWh and annual revenue of approximately $450 million. With a team of approximately 405 dedicated professionals and over 12,542 miles of distribution line, Sawnee always stands ready to meet the needs of its members-owners. SEMC strives daily to live up to their motto…

“At Sawnee EMC, We’re More Than Electricity, We’re Service”.

_{This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer}