A World of Difference
By Jessica Vellucci (2nd Place Winner)

     Without electricity the world, as we know it, would be a technologically barren wasteland. Our schools, weather stations, hospitals, businesses, police departments, and homes would be deprived of technology essential for our everyday lives. Every day we use a plethora of electronics, all powered by energy, and made possible by energy workers across the globe.

     Envision a home at Christmas time. Woven stockings hung meticulously above an electric fireplace. The enticing, mouthwatering aroma of an overstuffed turkey roasting in the oven. Prickly green clothed branches, layered in rows of sparkling white lights. Soft, melodic riffs flowing from the surround sound stereo. All of these wonders we take advantage of are made possible by electricity. But it’s not only during Christmas, and it’s not only in our homes. Schools use electricity to create an established learning environment that brings knowledge to students. The police and military forces use it for the communication and technology that keeps people safe. Hospitals use it for equipment and research that saves thousands of people’s lives. But none of this would even be possible without the contributions of energy workers themselves.

     Line workers are the brawn of an energy company. They are the people who install power lines, and repair poles when disaster strikes. If it weren’t for line workers, we wouldn’t have had power after hurricanes Dennis or Charley struck Florida’s coast in 2004-2005. But before the hurricanes even hit, hundreds of lives were already saved thanks to energy workers alone. Because of the advanced electrical technology made available by energy workers, the meteorologists were able to monitor and track the storms before they crashed ashore; they were able to notify emergency personnel to clear a safe evacuation route for those in immediate danger of the approaching storms.

     Electrical power engineers work on the maintenance of power grids, which are multiple series of generators linked together to create a monumental power source. They add or draw power from the grid depending on the needs of the power system. Local companies and businesses often purchase energy from the grid instead of creating their own, since it is less costly. Engineers provide local businesses with the electricity to run and provide services to the community. These businesses include, but aren’t limited to; grocery stores, shopping malls, dentist offices, and day-cares. 

     Electric technicians design and create electrical equipment. The two way radio, the now standard mean of communication for police officers, was developed by electric technicians in the early 1900’s. This invention allowed police everywhere to have a common ground of communication and a quicker response time to any crime scene. More modern examples include the telephone and the cell phone. Electric technicians have also made advanced contributions towards the medical field through various medical monitoring devices. For example, the Electrocardiogram, which monitors a person’s heart activity. Electrocardiograms are crucial to patients requiring intensive care. Through these innovations, electric technicians have saved countless lives.

     The contributions made by energy workers to this world are far vaster than anyone takes the time to consider. Their accomplishments have brought us into a new age of technology, rich with substance and enlightenment. Their work has changed and preserved more lives than we’ll ever know. But one thing is for sure, energy workers make a world of difference.