Little Rock, Ark. — April 9, 2025 — The Arkansas General Assembly passed a resolution today proclaiming April 9, 2025, as Lineworker Appreciation Day.
Arkansas lineworkers were recognized at the state Capitol for their professionalism and dedication to keeping the lights on for Arkansans.
The event was timely considering recent historic flooding, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Arkansas, which left thousands without power.
Lineworkers are often first responders during storms and put their lives on the line everyday with little recognition.
Just last month a North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) lineman, Clint Ray, lost his home due to a tornado in Ash Flat, but just one hour later Ray headed back to work – working 16-hour shifts – to help restore service to NAEC members.
“The determination of Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas lineworkers is commendable,” said Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation/Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. President/CEO Vernon “Buddy” Hasten. “Regardless of the weather, time or day, our lineworkers are focused on restoring power to members. Today’s event allows Arkansans to say thank you to the lineworkers.”
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to approximately 1.2 million members, or customers, in Arkansas and surrounding states.