Let there be light: 2 SRP crews to help connect remote Navajo Nation homes to electric grid

PHOENIX — Two Salt River Project crews will help bring electricity to remote homes on the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona beginning Saturday morning.

The project is part of Light Up Navajo, a longstanding partnership of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and the American Public Power Association.

The effort addresses a major need. According to SRP, about 75% of U.S. households without electricity are on the Navajo Nation. In fact, roughly 9,390 of the Navajo Nation’s estimated 56,000 homes lack power.

NTUA General Manager Walter W. Haase said the mutual aid project was launched in 2019.

“The visiting volunteer line workers signed up to travel here to help make a life changing difference for families,” Haase said in an announcement. “They leave with an immense pride of accomplishment, especially when families thank them with heartful words of gratitude.”

SRP has been helping Light Up Navajo initiatives for years

SRP joined Light Up Navajo in its first year. Since then, the Phoenix-area utility company has helped connect more than 128 homes by donating crews, equipment and expertise.

This year’s Light Up Navajo project is the largest yet, with 53 power providers taking part.

The effort reaches far beyond Arizona, New Mexico and Utah — the three states the Navajo Nation spans.

More than 300 lineworkers from across the country are traveling to the Nation between April and August, coming from participating utilities and organizations as far away as Alabama, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia and Wisconsin.

How long will SRP be connecting Navajo Nation homes to electricity?

The two SRP crews that will go to the Navajo Nation near Tuba City on Saturday will be working through May. The utility company will be donating manpower, expertise and equipment.

Last year, SRP brought electricity to nine Navajo Nation homes, installing 153 poles, eight transformers and 84,493 feet of electrical line.

Haase said each year, utilities work together to reach the common goal of making a difference.

“It is a life-changing experience for everyone involved,” he said.

Related

SRP crews help bring electricity to 9 more remote Navajo Nation homesSRP board approves 3% cut in electricity rates for hottest months of 2026Main roadway between Maricopa and metro Phoenix closed after fatal incidentArizona voters to choose Republican and Democratic nominees for top education positionRetired Gilbert fire captain honored after dying from job-related cancerStorms make way into Valley with strong winds, scattered showers causing power outages