National – Powering the Navajo Nation

It is easy to take for granted the notion that every day we flip a light switch, heat up a meal, and power so many aspects of our lives, often all at once. This is not the case in many parts of the world, including on the Navajo Nation.

Light Up Navajo is an annual event that was launched in 2019. It is a public-private sector initiative aimed at bringing electricity to homes on the Navajo Nation, where tribal members have faced significant challenges in accessing basic utilities. This event is organized by the American Public Power Association (APPA) in partnership with Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) and various public power utilities across the US.

The annual event addresses head on the reality that a substantial number of Navajo households live without electricity. This lack of access hinders not only daily living but also economic development and educational opportunities.

In partnership with APS, National was honored to send a crew for a full week, including three Navajo employees, in May 2024. The crews lent their time and expertise to extend power lines and install electrical infrastructure, directly connecting homes to the electric grid.

Services provided by National included drilling, assembling, and erecting 18 new 14.4 kV power poles. Transformers were installed on the poles, and the lines were run from the new poles to the houses.

As a result of the visit, multiple families now have proper electricity and appropriate capacity to power their lives. Light Up Navajo is more than just an infrastructure project; it represents a joint effort to enhance and sustain quality of life.