EEI Podcast Spotlights the Lineworkers Powering the Grid 

EEI Podcast Spotlights the Lineworkers Powering the Grid 

WASHINGTON (July 08, 2026) — In celebration of National Lineworker Appreciation Day on July 10, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today released a new episode of its Electric Perspectives podcast honoring the more than 100,000 electrical lineworkers who help keep electricity safe and reliable for hundreds of millions of Americans. 

The episode features National Grid lineworkers Greg McQuiggan and Ryan Murray, and Alabama Power lineworker Leland Overstreet, all members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. During the conversation, the lineworkers share how they got started in the industry, prepare for severe storm responses, build strong and safe crews, find purpose in serving their communities, and more.  

The full episode is available at: www.electricperspectives.com/podcast 
 
 


Key moments from the conversation: 

National Grid lineworker Greg McQuiggan reflects on how a family connection first drew him to the profession: 

"I'm third generation. My grandfather was a line mechanic... I knew I couldn't do management stuff. I can't sit in the office. I can't sit still. So, when I got into other things outside, I really enjoyed it, and this has been an unbelievable profession." 

For lineworkers, no two days are exactly alike, especially during major storms when crews travel to support communities in need. McQuiggan discusses the unique opportunities that come with storm response work: 

"When I first started, I'd say the first 10 years of my career, I was super fortunate to go to a bunch of great spots, different locations, help different utilities, which is cool because not every system's the same... We have different wire sizes, different styles of construction, different ways of doing things." 

Maintaining and restoring the energy grid requires trust, coordination, and a commitment to safety. Alabama Power lineworker Leland Overstreet emphasizes what drives every crew: 

"Everyone has a main purpose of just getting a job done safely and also wanting to come home safely." 

When asked what advice he would give to someone entering the profession, McQuiggan recommends: 

"Come in eyes wide open, ears wide open, and mouth partially shut. I don't mean that in a bad way. It's a harder industry. I'll never deny that, but you can learn a ton. There are some incredible human beings that do this job." 

Building on that point, National Grid lineworker Ryan Murray adds: 

"Just try and be better each day. Be better than you were yesterday. Never get complacent. That's one of the most dangerous things you can do here. And you can learn from everyone." 

Lineworkers often work behind the scenes, ensuring customers have reliable electricity in all conditions. The guests reflected on what appreciation from their communities means to them personally. 

Overstreet said:  

“It’s a really good feeling whenever the lights come on and everybody's like, "Woo!" Everybody's just really excited and it makes me feel good that I'm able to provide a service for my community.”  

Murray said: 

"It is a good feeling. You see a lot of different stuff and talk to a lot of different people, but I've had people bring us coffee and food. Or younger kids will make a card for us. That just kind of keeps you going during those long days." 

Lineworkers also encourage customers to think about the often-unseen role they play in maintaining everyday comfort and safety, especially during extreme weather.  

McQuiggan said: 

"Just remember [our work] when you're sitting at home as a customer and there’s a thunderstorm out, you're inside, and your air conditioning's running. Or in the middle of winter when it's a blizzard, your heat's on, your stove's working, and you can eat." 

EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney, who hosted the conversation, closed by reflecting on the essential role lineworkers play every day: 

"I often say to policymakers here in Washington that the most critical engine in America is the electrical grid, and when the grid's not working, America's not working. So, you guys are sort of at the heart of keeping this economy, the local communities, everything going." 

Read more excerpts from the interview or listen to the full interview here.   

About Electric Perspectives   

Electric Perspectives is a podcast from the Edison Electric Institute featuring conversations with policymakers and industry leaders on the most pressing issues facing the energy sector. Listen to more episodes at electricperspectives.com/podcast.  

 

 

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About EEI

EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide safe, reliable electricity for nearly 250 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Collectively, the electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States and drives economic growth and prosperity. EEI also includes hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.