Dear Member-Owners,
At Roanoke Cooperative, reliability isn’t just a goal. It is a responsibility. And this year, that responsibility has been tested.
This past winter, our system was tested by an ice storm, followed by multiple wind events that further challenged the strength and resilience of our infrastructure.
And once again, our line technicians answered the call.
Whether in the early hours of the morning, in freezing temperatures, or in dangerous conditions, our crews worked to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. Their commitment ensures that homes stay warm, businesses stay open, and our communities continue moving forward, even when the weather pushes back.
That’s why April holds special meaning.
On April 18, we join electric cooperatives across the country in recognizing National Lineworker Appreciation Day. Here in North Carolina, line technicians are also recognized at the state level through an annual proclamation, highlighting the critical role they play in keeping our communities powered.
But recognition alone is not enough. It is important to understand why their work matters and what supports it.
Reliability doesn’t happen by chance. It is built through:
- Right-of-way maintenance that keeps trees and debris away from power lines
- System upgrades and inspections that strengthen infrastructure
- Technology investments that help us respond faster and operate smarter
And most importantly, it is delivered by people. Highly trained professionals take pride in serving our member-owners.
I have also had the opportunity to spend time in the field with our crews, seeing firsthand the level of care, coordination, and safety that goes into this work. From pre-job briefings to the use of digital tools that document every step before work begins, our team is intentional about doing the job the right way. That discipline is what allows us to serve our member-owners safely and reliably.
That level of performance does not happen overnight. It takes years of training, field experience, and continuous development to safely perform this work. Line technicians operate in a high-risk environment, and their training ensures that every job is done with precision, discipline, and care.
When storms hit, our line technicians don’t just restore power. They restore normalcy, safety, and peace of mind.
This month, we encourage you to join us in recognizing and thanking the people who make that possible every day.
Because behind every light that comes back on, there’s a line technician who made it happen.
In Service,
Marshall Cherry
President & CEO