McGuire Nuclear Power Station can be seen in the background / Deborah Young photo

Oct. 29. Duke Energy has designated Nov. 1 as Power Plant Worker Appreciation Day, recognizing 8,500 workers who run 355 power plants in 23 states. The closest plant is McGuire Nuclear Power Station in Huntersville, with 950 workers.

“Without power plant workers, our lives would be much different,” said Paul Draovitch, Duke Energy’s chief regulated and renewable energy officer. “Serving as a power plant worker is more than a job; it’s a career and a way of life. These workers are dedicated to ensuring power is there when and where our customers need it. Their presence in the workplace 24/7, operating and maintaining power plants, never wavers.”

More power to ya: Duke and McGuire have hosted the Big Day at the Lake picnic—and hundreds of kids in Big Brothers Big Sisters—for 15 years.