A PG&E Lineworker Shows What it Takes to Climb a Pole

What does it take for a PG&E lineworker to properly serve the company’s 16 million customers?

According to Amy Mora, a PG&E apprentice lineworker for nearly three years, it’s all about one thing: attitude.

“Some days the work is tough and exhausting,” said Mora, who’s based in Ukiah. “If you keep a good attitude, you can make it a fun day.”

‘It’s very meaningful’

Mora, a former U.S. Air Force staff sergeant, got some early lessons into what it takes to keep the lights on for everyone.

“I didn’t realize how often we get called out for emergencies, such as cars hitting poles or wires down. I didn’t understand how much work goes into it at first. That was a real shocker,” she said. “It’s great, don’t get me wrong. I love it.”

Like the time her crew went to Grass Valley for a few days to clean up severe storm damage.

“There were trees everywhere and they had super heavy winds and snow,” said Mora, a graduate of PG&E’s nationally-acclaimed PowerPathway training program. “We went out there and just did whatever we could to help them.”

Mora understands the importance of her work.

“When we’re making sure none of our equipment fails, we’re keeping everyone safe,” she said. “When a line goes down, we’ll get it up as soon as possible and try to get people back in power. We’re just trying to keep any major incidents from occurring.

“When a significant weather event happens in an area, you’ll have thousands of people out of power,” added Mora. “We’re just doing whatever we can to get the wire up and the power on. We’ve had people come out into the streets and thank us. They’re sitting there watching us, just in awe, almost, of what we’re doing out there in the snow and rain. I think it’s very meaningful.”

Never a dull moment

Every day is a different experience for Mora, whose goal within the next five years is becoming a journeyman lineworker.

“Sometimes it’s changing out old poles, sometimes it’s basic maintenance,” she said. “It’s pretty much keeping up with the construction with the power lines.”

But that’s not all.

“You’re tested constantly and you’re learning new things all the time,” said Mora. “You have to dive into the book, learn the exact measurements and the ins-and-outs of the equipment.”

It’s all about being on the frontlines for us all.

“No matter what’s presented to us, we will find a way to accomplish it, regardless of how hard or how simple it is,” she said. “We will come together and get it done at the end of the day.”

Tristen Lewis, who was an intern this summer with PG&E’s Marketing and Communications team, interviewed Mora for this story.