Keeping the lights on

by Philip S. Ruckle Jr.

The job may not appeal to everyone, but Jonathan Vernesoni said being an electrical power lineman can be rewarding.

“Power is so essential today and there is a real sense of accomplishment when the job is done,” said Vernesoni.

Vernesoni should know. He’s been an electrical power lineman with Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative for 17 years.

Unlike investor-owned utilities, which are for-profit enterprises, an electric cooperative is a private, nonprofit organization owned by its members or customers delivering electrical power to the members living in its service area.

According to Laura Ertle, CHEC director of public relations and marketing, prior to 1945 the only Hatteras Island electric service was in Hatteras Village. The sparsely populated island was not seen as a profitable venture by investor-owned utilities, so local residents formed their own power company. Today a staff of 25, including 11 linemen, provide electrical service to the island’s almost 8,000 accounts. “Our linemen undergo extensive training and follow numerous protocols to ensure safety as they work to maintain our lines and restore power,” said Ertle. “Often that work is in very treacherous conditions. The pandemic has added another layer of precaution to an already demanding job, but our linemen have risen to the challenge and demonstrated an exceptional level of skill, dedication and expertise.”

Vernesoni, a supervisor with a crew of 10 other linemen, said even as a crew leader he still climbs into the bucket when needed.

“When the power goes out everyone wants their lights back on right away,” said Vernesoni. “Even me at my house.”

Fortunately, power outages are much less frequent and do not last nearly as long as in years past. Many local resi-

CHEC photo

Jonathan Vernesoni has been a lineman with Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative for 17 years.

CHEC photo

Above the Rodanthe rooftops, Jonathan Vernesoni performs maintenance work on a pole.