Power Engineer’s Day  is a professional holiday for all workers in the industry that covers the production, transmission, and distribution of electrical and thermal energy to consumers, which they celebrate on one of the shortest daylight hours of the year.

     The history of this holiday begins on May 23, 1966, when a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR established  Power Engineer’s Day in commemoration of the adoption of the State Plan for the Electrification of Russia (GOELRO) , which was adopted on December 22, 1920, at the VIII All-Russian Congress of Soviets. For most of our fellow citizens, the GOELRO plan is associated, first and foremost, with the famous “Ilyich light bulb.” In December 1920, the All-Russian Congress of Soviets adopted this 650-page document, which became the starting point for the creation of the domestic electric power system, as well as the first scientifically based, long-term economic development program in the country.

     Power Engineer’s Day is a holiday for all those who have ever been involved in the creation and maintenance of energy systems. It is also a holiday for those who continue to hold responsible positions in the energy industry. The power engineering profession encompasses a wide range of specialties. The title of power engineer refers to specialists who develop, manufacture, and operate equipment for the thermal and power-electric sectors. This is far from all that a power engineer does. Engineering personnel design power supply systems, test, and commission new electrical equipment. A distinctive feature of the profession is the wide variety of specialties that can be classified as power engineering. Power engineers carry the risk of electric shock, making it one of the most dangerous professions. 

     In recent years, interest in clean energy sources has grown exponentially. In addition to traditional methods, electricity is generated using wind and solar power. Electricity is also generated by recycling household waste. Tidal power plants harness the energy of seawater during high and low tides. Recently, the use of biogas in electric generators on large farms has become especially popular. Compact waste recycling systems have emerged that can provide heat and electricity for a small cottage. Systems that utilize the differences in acidity and alkalinity in different soil layers to generate electricity have been developed and are being implemented.

     This event is not limited to Russia. Energy workers are also celebrated on this date in other countries, including Armenia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. Some other countries have maintained the tradition of celebrating the energy industry on a variable date.