Alaskan Linemen Face Brutal Conditions in the Field

Aug. 12, 2017
Linemen around the world often work in severe weather, at dizzying heights, and in challenging conditions. In the Alaskan bush, however, the linemen for Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) often face these obstacles day in and day out.

Linemen around the world often work in severe weather, at dizzying heights, and in challenging conditions. In the Alaskan bush, however, the linemen for Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) often face these obstacles day in and day out. The cooperative provides power to 58 remote, small villages with limited or no amenities, like running water, flush toilets, and warm, comfortable living quarters. Because only one of the communities is accessible by road, the linemen fly to their jobs in small bush planes. Also, unlike many other field crews worldwide, the AVEC linemen don't have access to bucket trucks, except in Bethel, Alaska, one of the newest and the largest communities. As such, the linemen must perform tasks the “old school” way out of necessity. Here are some photos that show a work day in the life of an Alaskan lineman. 

About the Author

Amy Fischbach | Amy Fischbach, EUO Contributing Editor

Amy Fischbach is the Field Editor for T&D World magazine and manages the Electric Utility Operations section. She is the host of the Line Life Podcast, which celebrates the grit, courage and inspirational teamwork of the line trade.  She also works on the annual Lineworker Supplement and the Vegetation Management Supplement as well as the Lineman Life and Lineman's Rodeo News enewsletters. Amy also covers events such as the Trees & Utilities conference and the International Lineman's Rodeo. She is the past president of the ASBPE Educational Foundation and ASBPE and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Kansas State University. She can be reached at [email protected]

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of T&D World, create an account today!