Honoring Our Lineworkers

As a weakened tree falls over power lines during a storm, lights flicker down the block - and then darkness. A knock on the door is a beacon of hope: a troubleman responding to the call.

Southern California Edison's Omar Guzman is often one of the first to respond when a customer faces a power outage or when an electrical emergency occurs. They are responsible for assessing the situation. An evaluation helps Guzman determine if he can safely make the repairs or call a lineworker crew to handle a more extensive job.

Guzman joined SCE as a mechanic and, over the next 10 years, worked his way through groundman, apprenticeship and journeyman positions before becoming a troubleman.

Omar Guzman, SCE troubleman, using a high-voltage amp to check the amperage readings of a power line in Pasadena. PHOTO CREDIT: Shulie Tornel

"It's a life-altering job because of the lifestyle. You're at work often and miss family events, outings and holidays. You have to prepare yourself mentally. It is a rewarding career, but it takes a lot of sacrifice," he said.

April 18 is National Lineman Appreciation Day, spotlighting the commitment of these men and women to safety and community. Congress declared the day following the 2012 Hurricane Sandy disaster, where 67,000 lineworkers nationwide responded to the call for assistance restoring the power to millions on the East Coast.

For lineworker Andres Cervantes, who has been with SCE since 1997, customer service is top of mind. Every day presents a new opportunity to apply his problem-solving skills. As an electrical foreman for 18 years, Cervantes supervises a crew that responds to emergency calls and planned work to assess or execute repair and maintenance jobs. Above all else, he reinforces a safety mindset for his crew.

(l-r) James Janclaes, journeyman; Kevin Bennett, apprentice lineman; Christian Ramos, journeyman; Xavier Castillo, groundman; and Andres Cervantes, electrical foreman supervisor, review the details of their next job order. PHOTO CREDIT: Shulie Tornel

"We're appreciative of each other for the positive attitude toward work due to the conditions we work in. Sometimes, we're working in rainstorms or high heat. It's grueling sometimes, so it's important to have a team that looks out for everyone's safety," he said.

Lineworkers not only support human communities, but they also make every effort to protect wildlife, especially beloved pets. Recently, a cat named Fox Meowlder found herself stuck on the top of a power pole in Bellflower. Understandably worried for her safety, her owners contacted SCE for help. Due to the valiant efforts of the Dominguez Hills Service Center supervisors and lineman crew, after nearly 24 hours, Fox was back with her family.

Journeyman Zachary Williams (l) returns Fox Meowlder, the cat, from a power pole back down and into the arms of her owner. PHOTO CREDIT: Kathleen Dunleavy

"On Lineman Appreciation Day, and every day, I am proud of our team at Southern California Edison and celebrate their strong teamwork and safety first mindset," said Heather Rivard, SCE's senior vice president of Transmission and Distribution. "We recognize and thank our lineworkers and all our qualified electrical crews for their contributions to safely keep the lights on for the communities and companies we serve."

Customers often express their gratitude by thanking lineworkers.

"The majority of our customers are grateful for what we do. Sometimes customers will offer a tip or a donation because they are thankful for the lights to come on, but we don't accept it," Guzman says. "This is our job. This is what we do. Those are the times that make me happy about what I do."

To learn more about careers at SCE, visit edisoncareers.com.