Most of us don’t think about electricity until it’s gone.
We flip a switch, and the lights come on. We plug in our phones, and they charge. But behind every lightbulb in Gallatin is a story—and a group of people working hard to make sure things run smoothly.
This week on A Good Pour, I sat down with two of those people: Mark and Erica from the Gallatin Department of Electricity (GDE). I’ve had the privilege of working with their team for a while now, and let me tell you, they’re doing far more than just keeping the lights on.
They’re building relationships. They’re serving neighbors. And they’re doing really, really good work.
What GDE Actually Does (and Why It Matters)
First things first—GDE doesn’t generate electricity. That comes from TVA (the Tennessee Valley Authority). GDE distributes it locally, managing everything from the substations to the poles and lines that bring power into our homes and businesses.
They’re not-for-profit, which means every dollar goes back into serving Gallatin. And when you get your electric bill? Most of that goes straight to TVA. The rest covers equipment, maintenance, and future improvements like new trucks, substations, and technology.
It’s one of those essential services that works best when no one’s thinking about it—but deserves way more recognition than it gets.
Real People. Real Service.
Erica said something that stuck with me: “Sometimes the unknown is scary.”
That’s how a lot of people feel about utilities—faceless bills, confusing rates, no idea who’s on the other end of the phone line. But GDE is changing that.
They’re showing up at career fairs. Visiting schools. Talking to students about where their power comes from. Hosting community events and making sure neighbors know who to call when something’s wrong.
And their linemen? Those folks deserve standing ovations.
They climb poles in the freezing cold, in storms, in the dead heat of summer. They restore power when the rest of us are huddled under blankets. It’s dangerous, skilled work. And it’s done with so much heart.
GDE doesn’t just employ linemen—they celebrate them. From safety awards to lineman rodeos (yes, those exist!), the culture they’ve built is rooted in respect and gratitude.
Serving Employees, Serving the City
Mark and Erica talked a lot about what it means to lead a team well. From education assistance to United Way campaigns, safety celebrations to employee lunches, it’s clear that their people matter.
But they’re not stopping at their own walls.
GDE partners with local nonprofits. They support families through the Gallatin Day Care Center. They offer prepay options to help neighbors manage their bills. They’ve even rolled out a new metering system to help folks better track and understand their energy usage.
It’s not just about infrastructure—it’s about impact.
Let’s Talk About Linemen
In case you didn’t know, April is National Lineman Appreciation Month. And this episode couldn’t be more perfectly timed.
If you see a GDE truck this month—or any month—wave. Say thank you. Offer a high five. These are the people climbing poles, answering late-night calls, and doing the hard work no one else sees.
If you haven’t yet done so, grab a copy of the Gallatin Chamber Directory. There’s a beautiful tribute in there to a fallen lineman, Bobby Dee, a powerful reminder of the risks these workers take and the lives they touch.
Good Work Looks Like This
When we talk about good work at Good Circle, we’re talking about the kind of work that leaves things better than they found them.
That’s what Mark and Erica and the whole team at GDE are doing. They’re powering Gallatin with care, commitment, and community at the center.
They’re proving that even the most “invisible” services can shine with humanity and heart.
So, here’s your reminder: the next time you flip a switch, think about the people behind it. They’re doing good work, and they deserve to be seen.
Thanks for being here, friends. Keep doing good work. Keep serving people. And keep pouring into your community.
Want to listen to the full episode with GDE? Catch it now on Spotify or YouTube. And don’t forget to wave at a lineman this week—you just might make their day.