In a heartening effort to improve living conditions on the Navajo Nation, crews from Tucson Electric Power (TEP) have volunteered to help bring electricity to homes that have never had access to power. The initiative, known as Light Up Navajo, is coordinated by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) and aims to connect isolated rural households to the electric grid. For many families in the Navajo Nation, the lack of electricity means long drives to get water, enduring extreme temperatures without heating or cooling, and relying on ice-filled coolers to preserve food.
The Light Up Navajo Initiative
At the end of April, two four-man crews from TEP dedicated their time and effort to support this vital cause. These volunteers joined line workers from other states in a two-week mission outside of Tuba City in northeastern Arizona. The hard-working crews installed 60 poles and strung conductors to provide electricity to about eight homes, a monumental task that involved digging, hauling, and meticulous setting of poles.
Volunteer Spirit and Dedication
Crew members were eager to participate, with many signing up for paid shifts on the project, knowing it would keep them away from home for an extended period. “There was a lot of interest from the guys and we filled the slots right away,” recalled Line Construction Supervisor Jeremy Fenn. “They were really excited about the company stepping up to help get power to people who had never had power before.”
Apprentice Kyle Lundeen shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the opportunity to meet new people, build relationships, and experience another part of the state while making a meaningful difference. Fellow Apprentice Robert Montgomery was struck by the realization that there are still people in the U.S. living without power. “When I heard about it, I couldn’t believe there were people in the U.S. still living without power, so I wanted to help. We were helping a lot of elderly residents and a family with children. They couldn’t stop smiling and that was a really good feeling.”
Personal Stories and Impact
Journeyman Lineman Chris Hengsteler found the experience sobering, recognizing how much we often take electricity for granted. He enjoyed collaborating with other teams and appreciated the craftsmanship and attention to detail exhibited by NTUA, the public power utility serving the Navajo Nation.
For Journeyman Lineman Andres Rios, one woman’s story left a lasting impression. “She said she’d been waiting 50 years to have power and she was just so grateful. It was a sacrifice to be away from our families for two weeks, but it was great to be part of it because we touched their hearts and they touched ours also.”
The Broader Picture
The Light Up Navajo initiative addresses a critical need: roughly 14,000 homes on the Navajo Nation remain without power, making up 75 percent of all households in the U.S. without electricity. Since its launch in 2019, about 700 homes have received electricity through this collaborative effort between the American Public Power Association and NTUA.
Moving Forward
The efforts of TEP and other utility crews are helping to bridge the gap and bring much-needed power to the Navajo Nation. This initiative not only improves the quality of life for many families but also underscores the importance of community and volunteerism in tackling significant challenges. As Light Up Navajo continues, the hope is to extend the reach of electricity to even more homes, providing stability and comfort to those who have long awaited it.
For more information about the Light Up Navajo initiative and how you can support this cause, visit the NTUA website or contact your local utility provider. Together, we can help light up lives and bring hope to the Navajo Nation.
