Service Anniversary: Nick hagen

Celebrating Nick Hagen’s 10 Years With Northern Lights

For Journeyman Lineman Nick Hagen, the best part of the job is simple.

“I really like seeing the lights come on,” he says.

Whether it’s restoring power after a storm or completing routine line work, Nick knows every job makes a difference for Northern Lights members.

Nick joined Northern Lights in June 2016 as a meter reader and groundman after attending line school and working throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Later that year, he was offered a lineman apprenticeship, earning his journeyman certification in 2019. After serving the Bonners Ferry area for 2 years, he returned to the Sagle headquarters, where he continues serving members today.

1 of Nick’s most memorable moments came during an ice storm on Christmas Eve in 2016. After hours of clearing trees from power lines on Hoo Doo Mountain, the crew was making needed repairs to restore power to the last remaining outages.

“When we got the power restored, we looked over, and all their Christmas lights came on,” he says.

Moments like this are a reminder that line work is about more than restoring electricity—it’s about serving the people who depend on it.

“You have a special role in the community,” Nick says. “You are relied upon and needed.”

While rewarding, that responsibility sometimes means long hours, missing his own family events, and responding to outages during holidays. It’s something Nick is grateful his wife supports and hopes his daughters understand.

“I tell my daughters, ‘Wouldn’t you want someone to get your power back on for your birthday or holiday?’” he says.

Along with the opportunity to serve members, Nick appreciates the variety line work brings. From troubleshooting outages and operating specialized equipment to working around trees and tackling challenging projects, no 2 days are the same. While North Idaho winters can occasionally make an indoor job sound appealing, Nick still prefers working outside.

When he’s not restoring power, Nick is still enjoying time outdoors with family and friends. He backcountry skis, mountain bikes, boats, and water skis— activities that fit perfectly with North Idaho’s seasonal lifestyle.

As Nick celebrates 10 years with Northern Lights, he remains committed to safety, service, and keeping the lights on.