POWERGRAMS

When storms roll through Alabama and the lights go out, linemen like Jay Johnson are the first to answer the call. For Alabama Power crews, restoring electricity isn't just part of the job – it's a mission. That dedication earned Johnson the title of Lineman of the Year from the Energy Institute of Alabama (EIA) during its Lineman Appreciation Day celebration in Montgomery in April. Held at Dixie Electric Cooperative, the annual event brought together lineworkers from across the state to honor those who keep homes, schools and businesses connected – often in the toughest conditions imaginable. Johnson, who works out of Alabama Power's Prattville operations area, has built a reputation for reliability and grit. In 2023, he responded to more than 300 after hours callouts – over 100 more than any other lineman in the company – while completing more than 1,600 work orders. "Just seeing when you get people's lights back on, especially at nighttime, most of them are so appreciative," Johnson said. "It makes you feel good, makes you feel like you've accomplished something when you're out there helping people and they're cheering you on and thanking you. You feel like a hero, for a moment anyway." EIA President and CEO Clay Scofield said linemen like Johnson are heroes every day, whether recognized or not. "People take it for granted that they flip a switch and the light comes on, or that their AC or heat is working," Scofield said. "There's a tremendous amount of work and effort every single minute of the day that goes into keeping electricity flowing. If we didn't have people like this, we wouldn't have the comforts we enjoy. I hope the public will thank a lineman when they see them." State Sen. April Weaver, whose grandfather was a lineman, also shared her appreciation for the profession and its sacrifices. Weaver helped pass legislation establishing Lineman Appreciation Day in Alabama and creating a specialty car tag that raises money for lineworkers injured on the job and their families. "This is absolutely one of my favorite days of the year," Weaver said. "We get to celebrate linemen who mean so much to our communities. These men and women go above and beyond. They sacrifice time away from their families and the things they love, all to take care of us. So today, we're giving back, and they are so deserving of our appreciation." National Lineman Appreciation Day is observed each year on April 18 to honor those who maintain and protect the nation's electric grid. For Alabama Power, it's a moment to recognize employees like Johnson who embody the company's mission of reliability and service – no matter the time of day or the weather outside. By Mike Tomberlin 1 Always On Call JAY JOHNSON NAMED JAY JOHNSON NAMED LINEMAN OF THE YEAR LINEMAN OF THE YEAR Energy Institute of Alabama CEO Clay Scofield (left) presented the award to Johnson. "I'm proud of our linemen who, like Jay, show up every day to take care of our customers. No matter the hour or the conditions, they work hard to keep our communities connected, and that dedication makes a real difference." – Power Delivery Vice President Scott Moore Johnson led the company in callouts in 2025.

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