ARIZONA NEWS

SRP crews help connect 56 Navajo homes to electricity for the first time

May 14, 2022, 7:15 AM

(Salt River Project Photo)...

(Salt River Project Photo)

(Salt River Project Photo)

PHOENIX — After four weeks of 16-hour workdays, the Salt River Project lineman successfully connected 56 Navajo families and their homes to electric service, according to a press release.

Despite unfamiliar lands with rough terrain and weather, SRP was able to power the houses in Arizona’s Navajo Nation with electricity for the first time ever.

SRP line crews returned home on Sunday after working in the northeastern part of Arizona since April 2, the release said.

The crew was one of 14 volunteer utility crews from across 10 states in the country to participate in the “Light Up Navajo” project led by the American Public Power Association and Navajo Tribal Utility Authority.

“Light Up Navajo is an initiative to bring power to all the resident on Navajo Nation,” Wayne Wisdom, senior director of distribution grid services at SRP, said in a release. “The vision back in 2019 was to solicit neighboring utility support primarily from public power utilities like SRP to help build the infrastructure to serve the community.”

SRP line crews constructed about 12 miles of distribution lines, set 193 poles and strung 13 miles of overhead wire during the monthlong effort, the release said.

The project is set to finish in the third week of June, giving a total of 200 Native American families electricity in their homes.

More than a dozen employees participated in “Light Up Navajo,” marking the second time SRP has volunteered since the project’s start in 2019.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Chandler woman accused of abusing over 50 special needs dogs...

KTAR.com

Activists played key role in arrest of Chandler woman accused of abusing special needs dogs

The Chandler Police Department arrested an Arizona woman Friday on suspicions of animal cruelty, officials said.

7 hours ago

In this image taken from video, Niko, a pet squirrel, stands on the shoulder of Yeison in their ten...

Associated Press

Venezuelan man and his pet squirrel complete journey to U.S. border

A 23-year-old Venezuela man is preparing to say goodbye to a pet squirrel he says he brought from his home country on a journey to Mexico.

9 hours ago

Evening commuters head west toward downtown Phoenix. Local transportation leaders are proposing a $...

KTAR.com

Valley commuters can win prizes during Rideshare Month in October

Valley Metro is asking commuters to go the extra mile - by, for example, carpooling or taking transit - during Rideshare Month this October.

11 hours ago

Chandler police vehicle...

KTAR.com

55 dogs removed from home in Chandler, owner arrested

The Arizona Humane Society removed and took custody of 55 neglected dogs from a home in Chandler on Saturday, according to the Chandler Police Department.

13 hours ago

Stock photo of a road closed sign. Southbound Interstate 17 was closed in the north Valley on Thurs...

KTAR.com

Interstate 17 southbound lanes reopen after being closed near Camp Verde

The southbound lanes of Interstate 17 are closed south of Camp Verde, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

14 hours ago

Sundance Park in Buckeye....

KTAR.com

Expansion of Sundance Park in Buckeye completed, celebrated with 3 days of events

The completion of Sundance Park Phase II in Buckeye was showcased to the public with three days of events earlier this month.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Importance of AC maintenance after Arizona’s excruciating heat wave

An air conditioning unit in Phoenix is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat.

Home moving relocation in Arizona 2023...

BMS Moving

Tips for making your move in Arizona easier

If you're moving to a new home in Arizona, use this to-do list to alleviate some stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

Sanderson Ford...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford congratulates D-backs’ on drive to great first half of 2023

The Arizona Diamondbacks just completed a red-hot first half of the major league season, and Sanderson Ford wants to send its congratulations to the ballclub.

SRP crews help connect 56 Navajo homes to electricity for the first time