EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – When the power goes out, linemen are the ones who step up — often in tough and dangerous conditions — to restore electricity and keep the city running.
Eddie Garcia, a lineman with El Paso Electric for 26 years, is one of those unsung heroes.
“I actually wanted to be a radiologist,” Garcia said. “I took a few classes, but it just wasn’t for me.”
Fast forward more than two decades later, Garcia is now one of the first to respond to emergency calls, from downed power lines to outages caused by severe weather. He is part of a team of more than 100 linemen who serve an area that stretches from Van Horn, Texas, to Hatch, New Mexico.
“It’s a demanding job, to be honest. It’s not as easy as it seems,” Garcia said. “In the summer, it’s hot. In the winter, it’s cold. But we do the best we can for the public.”
El Paso Electric covers approximately 10,000 square miles and serves more than 460,000 customers. Over the years, advancements in technology have made the lineman’s job more efficient.
“Everything we use on a day-to-day basis is here,” Garcia said, referencing the tools and equipment inside his bucket truck. “It’s a one-stop shop.”
Preparation is critical, Garcia added, whether it’s troubleshooting a line or climbing a utility pole.
“We work with voltages that are 1,000 volts or higher,” Garcia said. “Our job is to keep the power flowing to customers, climb poles, work on energized lines, and keep the grid from falling apart.”
Becoming a lineman takes more than technical knowledge, Garcia said.
“You’ve got to be open-minded, have a strong work ethic, and be a team player,” he said.
While advancements in technology have helped, Garcia said the job ultimately comes down to the basics: skill, training, and dedication.
“It’s a dangerous job, but it’s rewarding,” Garcia said. “Knowing that people are counting on us keeps me going, even after long hours or in tough weather conditions.”
For Garcia and his team, keeping the lights on isn’t just a job — it’s a mission to serve the community.
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