NIOBRARA COUNTY – Skilled craftsmen of any trade are to be appreciated. Their expertise, energy and effort supply society services spanning from survival to comfort. In April, Line workers have two designated days, the second Monday of April and April 18 deemed Appreciation Days. Although we “appreciate” them 24/7, 365, April has come to be known as Lineman Appreciation Month at Niobrara Electric Association (NEA). 

Our system weathers and ages with every storm and every year that passes. Parts of operations are as fundamental as putting back up what nature tears down. Operations also focuses on improved planning with yearly and four-year work plans, scheduled maintenance and upgrades and specialized, as well as routine testing. A lot of thought and collaboration go into “plans.” As everyone knows, the best laid plans are still subject to change. Our crews stand ready to meet those changes at all hours, all days of the week. 

We are proud that outage times have decreased over the years due to hard work and improvements but, after hours and emergency response numbers still impress the importance of having determined crews at the guard. In 2020, 251 outages were addressed and restored by NEA workers.

To all of our dedicated employees and, in the month of April, our Linemen in particular we appreciate you.