335 homes connected to Navajo Nation electric grid through CARES Act

PHOENIX — Funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act has connected 335 homes to the electric grid in Navajo Nation.

According to the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, crews have been working 10-hour days to help connect the homes and more families are expected to be connected in the coming days. NTUA’s stated goal is to provide electricity for 510 families identified in the 2020 Light Up Navajo II application process.

“NTUA management and work crews have done a great job in expediting projects and working together to provide electricity, water resources and telecommunications to more families on the Navajo Nation,” Navajo Nation president Jonathan Nez said in a release.

The Nez administration allocated $110.8 million of CARES Act relief funds between power line projects, electric grid capacity, cistern systems, wastewater systems and wireless and broadband expansion. Out of that money, $24.7 million was allocated to increase overall electric grid capacity.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created so many challenges for all of us, but this is certainly great news and great work being done by NTUA,” Navajo Nation vice president Myron Lizer said.

NTUA General Manager Walter Hasse said his workers spent tireless hours to complete the work for the 335 homes quickly.

“They wanted to make sure the families didn’t have to wait any longer to receive the electricity. This was a strong example of community service,” Hasse said.

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