Utilities are preparing for a longer pandemic than they expected earlier this year when the Centers for Disease Control first recommended people quarantine themselves to stop the spread of COVID-19. Officials are now saying COVID-19 will affect the workplace for years to come.
Power cooperatives in rural areas are front-line, essential workers who sometimes have fewer resources than major utilities, but they have the same task: Keeping lights on for people in all conditions, even during the spread of a deadly virus.
Even in uncertain times, these people work long hours in offices, from homes and in the field to provide their essential services.
Here are a few pictures from those front lines showing how the job has changed for rural power co-ops during the COVID-19 outbreak. Special thanks to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association for collecting and sharing these images, and thanks to everyone working to keep the power flowing!