While most of us were tucked into our blankets at home, OPALCO linemen worked around the clock to track down multiple power outages and restore power across the county last week.

With temperatures in the teens, ice underfoot, and wind that blew up to 60 mph, the conditions were rough.

We often don’t realize how dependent we are on electricity until it’s gone. As the lights flicker and die, we groan in frustration and anxiously wait for our homes to come alive again.

We have OPALCO to thank for those short wait times. To the linemen on Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan: we appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Let’s hope the winter isn’t as treacherous as the experts predict, but if it is, we know you’ll be there to keep our lights on.