MVEA Participates In “Light Up Navajo” Project
Illuminating a promise of a better tomorrow for the Navajo Nation
It’s hard to imagine in 2024 that there are people living in the United States without electricity. Such is the case for many in the Navajo Nation which occupies portions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Despite facing challenges such as economic hardship and limited access to infrastructure, the Navajo people are known for their resilience, strong sense of community, and rich cultural heritage. In 2019, an initiative called “Light Up Navajo” was launched, by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority in partnership with the American Public Power Association. This initiative aims to bring electricity to families who have lived without it for generations. This year Mountain View Electric Association’s (MVEA) linemen, Nathan Ortiz, Levi Suarez, John Webb, and Jon Weitz answered the call to volunteer and help electrify the nation. For the MVEA team, it was more than just a job, it was a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of fellow Americans.
John Webb reflected on the moment he decided to join the project. "When I heard there were people in the United States without power, I thought that was insane," he said. "It felt like an opportunity to do something that matters. The Navajo people have been left behind, and that didn’t feel right." Nathan Ortiz shared a similar sentiment. "I've always wanted to make an impact in places that don't have electricity. MVEA has participated in trips to assist in electrifying Guatemala, but when you hear about people in your own country that don’t have electricity, it felt like an even better cause to sign up for."
MVEA's linemen spent a week in the Navajo Nation with crews from other electric cooperatives and utility teams from across the country. They placed over 70 poles, built lines, and installed meters on homes, all while working in temperatures that sometime exceeded 105°F.
“One of the first things we learned during our orientation was that the local linemen don’t have bucket trucks, so they have to build line by climbing each pole—sometimes up to six times to complete the job,” Nathan explained. “It’s incredibly time-consuming compared to using bucket trucks. We were so grateful to have brought an MVEA bucket truck with us; it saved us a tremendous amount of time and effort.”
Nathan also recalled a touching moment from their work on the project. "After we electrified our first house, we heard that their son was still walking around that night with a flashlight, and his parents asked him why. He'd forgotten that he could flip on a light switch. It made me realize that we take even lights for granted, and they've never had them before."
For families in the Navajo Nation, lack of electricity means a life of driving long distances for water, preserving food in coolers with ice, and enduring harsh temperatures without modern heating or cooling systems. The high cost of connecting isolated households to the grid and limited government loans has made progress slow. But the Light Up Navajo initiative has offered them a glimmer of hope.
Levi Suarez marveled at the resilience and hospitality of the Navajo people. "The Navajo people are proud and were so welcoming to us. It was apparent immediately that they were grateful we were there. They cared for us the entire time – feeding us, keeping us hydrated, and sharing their culture with us. We also bonded with the local linemen and made genuine connections with them. It was a really good feeling all around."
As the days passed, the MVEA team continued their work, bringing light and hope to these families. Each connection made was a step toward a brighter future for the Navajo Nation. The bonds they formed with the community and the profound impact of their work will stay with them long after the project.
For Jon Weitz, the experience was deeply moving. "To help out someone in your own country and do some good was an easy choice for me. Any lineman will tell you the best feeling is to see the power come back on when restoring an outage, but to see the lights come on for the very first time in someone's home was kind of emotional. The family was super happy about it, and that was very exciting. For me personally, this work made me more grateful for what I have. To see people live without all the modern conveniences we take for granted made me realize how good I have it."
In the end, the Light Up Navajo initiative is more than just an electrification initiative. It is a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and the enduring human spirit. Through the efforts of MVEA and other participating utilities, the Navajo people will no longer be left in the dark but illuminated by the promise of a better tomorrow.
