Being a lineman is a hard, dangerous job. The vast majority of the work occurs outside, in the extreme heat of summer, and freezing cold of winter. Working on electric lines requires climbing tall poles, or using the booms on utility trucks to reach the lines. Dealing with heights is not the greatest danger as most city power lines have over 7,200 volts flowing through them. Due to the high voltage, it only takes a split second loss of concentration to be injured or electrocuted which unfortunately happens each year to linemen across the United States.

Because of this possibility, HES linemen are required by OSHA to perform an annual training exercise called “Pole top rescue”. This exercise simulates a lineman having an electrical contact injury and becoming unconscious at the top of a pole. The exercise begins with a 150 lb. dummy secured to the top of a pole by a safety harness. Each lineman is required to climb the pole using only spikes attached to their boots, and a safety harness that goes around the pole. Once they reach the dummy, they are required to secure a rope around the dummy’s chest, loop the rope over a cross arm, then lower the dummy to the ground. They then have to descend the pole, obtain the AED (automated external defibrillator) from the truck, attach the leads to the dummy’s chest, then deliver shocks if instructed, and perform CPR. All of this has to be done as quickly as possible, as an injured lineman’s life may hang in the balance.

HES linemen take pride in their profession and the essential job they perform. Anytime the power goes off to even one customer, they respond quickly, knowing the importance electricity plays in the lives of our customers. But this dedication to keeping the power on also requires extreme diligence to perform the work safely. HES is proud of its linemen, and the important work they do each day to keep the city of Hopkinsville and its citizens supplied with the safe, reliable and affordable electricity. If you know a lineman, or a lineman’s family member, next time you see them, take a minute to thank them for the work they do to keep the power on!

On June 11, 2020, Hopkinsville Electric System, a locally owned municipal utility, will celebrate 78 years of service to the Hopkinsville community. Many things have changed since 1942 but our mission to provide safe, reliable and economical electric and telecom services is still the same. Hometown quality customer service, employee excellence and a safety first approach everyday are the essential components that allow HES & energynet to offer some of the lowest electric rates and high speed internet service in the region.

Today, HES & energynet serves over 13,000 electric customers and nearly 4,000 internet customers with a staff of 53 employees under the direction of a five-member board appointed by the Mayor and City Council. Since we are a local nonprofit company, all of our decisions are based solely on the best interest of our customers. This is especially true during calamities from storms which cause physical damage or a health pandemic which also brings economic hardship. We know that essential electric and internet services not only provide comfort and convenience but security by connecting our community to telemedicine, online education and work from home. HES & energynet has been conscious of the hardships our neighbors are facing and taken steps such as temporarily suspending disconnects, waiving late payment fees and increasing fiber capacity to help them through these difficult times.

As we look to the future, HES & energynet is upgrading our electric distribution system and substations, installing electronic meters and LED street lights as well as building a fiber network around the community to provide 1 GIG high speed internet service. All of these actions are being taken to ensure that our customers have affordable and dependable electric and broadband services not only now but for many years to come. This is in addition to the many energy saving and community development programs that are offered to all our customers.  As we celebrate another milestone, HES & energynet remains committed to high quality customer service provided by dedicated, professional employees who are a part of the community they serve.

THANK YOU are allowing us to be your “Hometown Service Provider”.

Jeff Hurd

General Manager