POWERGRAMS

Twins Dawn and Shawn Peeks share lifetime of serving Alabama Power Twins learn early how to share – toys, birthdays and even some friendly competition. Shawn and Dawn Peeks have carried a spirit of teamwork and good-natured rivalry through their lifetimes, including nearly 75 years of service to Alabama Power. Rising early, working long hours and doing the job right isn't just a motto – it's their family legacy. Their father, the late Billy Wayne Peeks, retired as a substation foreman in Construction, and their younger brother Shane works in the electric-utility industry. "We all kind of had our hand in doing some kind of construction work," Dawn said. "It's in our blood." 4 The twins graduated from high school in 1982. Afterward, they took different paths: Dawn managed meat markets at two groceries, while Shawn worked at a sawmill. But fate – and a father who kept an eye on opportunity – brought Shawn to Alabama Power. "My dad told me the company was taking applications down in Jackson," Shawn recalled. "He even took a vacation day to drive me three hours down there." Months later, Shawn got an interview at Plant Barry near Mobile. "That was one of the most exciting times of my life," said Shawn, who began working on a Transmission Construction line crew on Nov. 30, 1987. Over the years, Shawn's career took him across the state – from Demopolis to Tuscaloosa – and up the ranks from lineman to lead lineman, foreman and eventually transmission line maintenance foreman. "Because I'd moved around and worked with different groups – Construction, Distribution and the Service Department – I became more of an all-around employee. It's all about relationships," Shawn said. BREAKING BARRIERS Dawn joined Alabama Power in 1991. She started as a helper in Transmission Construction, later becoming the company's first female lineworker, a title she carries with pride. "I loved climbing," Dawn said. "There's nothing like being up there, looking out over everything you've built." During most of her career, Dawn has lived out of suitcases, working long hours and braving all kinds of terrains. "I've been traveling for 35 years," she said, with a laugh. "I don't have a husband or kids, so I guess that made it easier. But it's still not easy being away from home." Though their jobs have taken them to different corners of Alabama, Shawn and Dawn's careers often overlapped. They traveled and worked on the same Roving Line Crew for 13 years. Working together came with its challenges, especially for a protective brother (Dawn likes to remind everyone she beat him into the world by four minutes). "The hardest part of my career wasn't the work. It was watching my sister climb those poles and worrying about her. She was a fantastic climber," Shawn said, with pride. "But there's a worry you can't turn off when it's your sister." Today, Dawn is a transmission line inspector, overseeing contractor crews who perform "bare-hand" energized work – some of the most specialized and high-risk tasks in the field. "It's the best and worst job I've ever had," Dawn said. "Physically, it's not like climbing, but mentally, it's tough. You're always watching, always worrying. The crews I work with are great at what they do." The job has taken her from Montgomery to Muscle Shoals and everywhere in between. "Every day is different," Dawn said. "You can have the best game plan in the world, and then you hit rock holes, trees or equipment issues, and you've got to start over. Every action has a reaction." A LEGACY BUILT ON HARD WORK From the start, the Peeks have embodied what it means to serve – with grit, humor and heart. They built careers that mirror each other in dedication and reflect the best of Alabama Power's values. Both credit their father for their work ethic and resilience. "I was raised at Daddy's feet," Dawn said. "He taught me the value of doing things right and taking pride in your work." That foundation carried the Peeks through decades of change: new technology, new safety protocols and the ever-evolving electric-energy landscape. Shawn, who is well-respected across the company for his strong leadership skills, has built enduring work relationships across the state. When he's with his wife and family, Shawn usually sees someone he knows. Dawn noted, with a laugh, "His wife always says, 'Is there anyone you don't know?'" Nearing retirement, the siblings look forward to a new chapter. Dawn, who will retire in August with 35 years of service, looks forward to spending time at her log cabin home. "My suitcases will finally be in the closet," she said. With nearly 39 years of service, Shawn plans to retire by year-end. "We've been blessed. Thinking about not doing this job every day will be a big change. I've had the privilege of working with some of the best people in the business. Not everybody gets to do what they love, with people they love, for this long." Shawn Peeks (left) worked his way up through the ranks of Power Delivery. Dawn Peeks (left) oversees contract crews (photos contributed) By Donna Cope

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