Most of us have the luxury of dressing for summer weather when we are outside. Breathable fabrics and short-sleeved shirts are not always an option for lineworkers.

CCEC crews are required to wear special personal protective equipment (PPE) while working around energized lines even on the hottest of days. They wear fire-retardant long-sleeved shirts and pants, steel-toed boots, rubber gloves, rubber sleeves covering their arms to their shoulders, hard hats and safety glasses.

Although PPE helps to keep our crews safe from the hazards of electricity, it can also contribute to dehydration or heat exhaustion. Lineworkers stock their trucks with plenty of water and electrolyte drinks, take breaks as needed and get an early start to the day to help to avoid the extreme heat of our summer afternoons. However, outages do not always occur in favorable temperatures.

CCEC line technicians can't choose what time of day they'll be working to restore your power - but don't worry! Their priority is always to look out for yourand to keep your lights on. They'll be sweating so you don't have to!