cert ified

it meets, and often exceeds, the minimum regulatory compliance standards set by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Any deviations are swiftly addressed, corrective actions are taken, and additional training is provided.

“Wiregrass Electric passed their assessment with high marks,” Whatley says. “We applaud them for employing a strong safety program that goes above and beyond what’s required of them.”

Earning the RESAP certification affirms WEC is moving in the right direction, ensuring its lineworkers’ well-being an d providing reliable and affordable electric service.

“It’s more than being certified — it’s about doing right by our people,” WEC Chief Operating Officer Brad Kimbro says. “On behalf of Wiregrass Electric, we’re proud of our staff who brave dangerous conditions to keep the lights on for our members. Their safety and the safety of our members is always the No. 1 priority. It’s a legacy we strive to build on every day.”

Financial aspect

When it comes to safety, it’s not just about regulations; there’s a financial impact, too. WEC incorporates safety into annual budget planning, including expenses like providing personal protective equipment to field employees working around energized lines.

“Each year, we reevaluate our needs and industry requirements when creating our budget,” CFO Lisa Lenoir says. “Our goal is to equip our linemen with the tools they need to perform their jobs safely so we can send them home to their families unharmed at the end of every shift.”

For emergency response and preparedness, WEC maintains credit relationships with outside financial institutions. These relationships are a safety net in case local financial institutions are impacted during emergencies or if credit lines need to be activated to support restoration efforts in extreme cases. WEC leaves no stone unturned in its commitment to safety, prioritizing financial planning and partnerships to ensure its ability to respond to unforeseen challenges. 

Safety items in a lineworker’s toolkit

• Personal Protective Equipment or PPE — Hard hats, safety glasses, flame-resistant clothing, gloves and protective footwear shield lineworkers from electrical, thermal and physical hazards.

• Insulating gloves and sleeves — Rubber or dielectric gloves protect against electric shock when working on energized lines.

• Fall protection equipment — Harnesses, lanyards and self-retracting lifelines prevent falls and provide stability when working at heights.

• Voltage detectors and testers — These ensure that circuits are de-energized before work, reducing the risk of accidental contact with live lines.

• Grounding and bonding equipment — These tools create a safe path for electrical currents to flow to the ground, minimizing the chance of shock or arc flashes

• Insulating blankets and line hoses — These materials provide an extra layer of protection against electrical contact by covering and insulating specific areas.

• Hot sticks — These nonconductive poles enable safe handling of switches, cutouts and other electrical devices from a safe distance.