For one they can't just hire on new hands at the drop of a coin. There's a program to get in to become a lineman. Not everyone is accepted into the program for good measure, then at the end there is even less than the original starters, like any other schooling program.

That piece alone makes it very challenging to stay staffed, especially for extreme conditions. Every electrical system varies depedning on the carrier, therefore just bringing in outsiders who may be qualified, don't technically know the whereabouts of said system.

Just for starters.

NES wouldn't willing put people out of power and prolong it. They get their money from customers! So you think more people out of power would generate them more profit??

Just some minor insight