BY JAY CEPERLEY
As we enter the month of March, Iowa’s electric cooperatives are proud to recognize and celebrate the essential work of utility workers across our state. Iowa Utility Worker Appreciation Day, observed each year on March 8, offers an important opportunity to honor the dedication, professionalism and service of the men and women who keep our communities connected, safe and reliably powered. These workers respond at all hours, often in hazardous conditions, to restore electricity and maintain the systems that power modern life. Their commitment ensures that Iowa families, farms and businesses receive dependable service every day.
A longstanding commitment to safety
Iowa’s electric cooperatives have always maintained a strong and unwavering commitment to safety. This priority is deeply rooted in our mission of powering lives and informs how we serve our members, support our employees and protect the communities we operate in. We have consistently championed initiatives that improve the safety of Iowans, including hands-free driving legislation designed to reduce distracted driving, as well as the “Move Over, Slow Down” law, which requires motorists to move over and slow down when passing work vehicles on the roadside. These efforts reflect a broader goal: ensuring that not only utility workers, but all community members, can work and travel safely throughout our state.
With the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session fully underway, Iowa’s electric cooperatives are actively engaged at the Capitol to ensure that our members’ voices are heard. Safety remains one of our highest priorities, shaping not only our daily operations but also our advocacy efforts.
Strengthening protections for utility workers
This year, our ongoing commitment to safety is reflected in new legislation proposed by Iowa’s electric cooperatives that would increase penalties for individuals who threaten, harass or assault utility workers while they are performing their duties. Lineworkers are often required to enter unpredictable, high-risk environments to restore power, post for disconnection and trim vegetation. When they encounter hostile or aggressive behavior, the dangers they face increase significantly. Because Iowa law requires these workers to respond in such situations, they deserve the strongest possible legal protections already given to other public servants like first responders, corrections officers and healthcare workers.
Regardless of the outcome of this year’s legislation, Iowa’s electric cooperatives will continue advocating for robust protections for utility workers. Our commitment to safety remains steadfast. These efforts reflect our longstanding mission: to champion safety, support our workforce and serve the best interests of the communities we proudly power.
Jay Ceperley is the advocacy coordinator for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
