It's been six months since Katrina and Rita wreaked havoc in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Power is now restored to all homes and businesses that are fit for service. Life as normal may still be a long time away for the residents of the Gulf, but power has been restored, which was truly a Herculean effort.

Power linemen are never more in their element than when they are working to bring the power back on to customers after major storms. This special section is solely sponsored by IBEW/NECA as a tribute to the linemen who worked so tirelessly to restore electricity in incredibly difficult conditions; the content is solely the responsibility of the editors of Transmission & Distribution World magazine. To the linemen who worked so tirelessly in the Gulf, we salute you.