Light up Navajo

Oklahoma co-op lineworkers join a national effort to bring first-time electricity and hope to Navajo Nation families

In the high desert of Shiprock, New Mexico, ten Oklahoma lineworkers are rolling up their sleeves to do what they do best — bring power where it’s needed most. For seven days, these lineworkers, representing five of Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives, are building power lines alongside Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) crews to deliver first-time electricity to Navajo families.

The work is part of Light Up Navajo, a humanitarian project launched in 2019 by NTUA and the American Public Power Association (APPA). The initiative was born out of a staggering statistic: More than 10,000 of the 56,000 homes in Navajo Nation still do not have electricity. Since the project’s inception, more than 900 homes have been connected to the grid, with volunteers from utilities across the country joining in the effort.

Electricity is more than just light for these families — it’s a lifeline. It means a refrigerator to keep food safe, power for medical equipment, heat in the winter and lights for children to study by at night.

“It is a privilege for Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives to send volunteers to power families in the Navajo Nation,” said Nicki Fuller, General Manager and CEO of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives and former APPA board member. “Every home and business in our country should have power, which brings forth quality of life. We are honored to help in this worthwhile mission.”

For the ten Oklahomans taking part, the project is personal.

“This kind of work is different,” said Reid Trout of Cimarron Electric Cooperative, who has previously volunteered in the Navajo Nation. “It’s good for the soul.”

Chase Blackburn of CKenergy Electric Cooperative said the shorter travel commitment of this project made it possible for him to join. “The travel and timeframe were a good fit for me,” Blackburn said. “I’m eager to get the chance to be a part of it.”

The volunteers represent Central Rural Electric Cooperative, Cimarron Electric Cooperative, CKenergy Electric Cooperative, Southeastern Electric Cooperative and Southwest Rural Electric Association:

• Central Rural Electric Cooperative (Stillwater): Jayson Cross, Kyle Williams
• Cimarron Electric Cooperative (Kingfisher): Zac Smith, Jack Taylor, Reid Trout
• CKenergy Electric Cooperative (Binger): Chase Blackburn, Tanner Ingram
• Southeastern Electric Cooperative (Durant): Leith Burkhalter
• Southwest Rural Electric Association (Tipton): Kelby Boyd, Stetson Ryan

For many of the families receiving power, the connection will be life-changing. Some have lived for generations in isolated homesteads without electricity.

“We are incredibly grateful for co-op volunteers traveling from Oklahoma and all parts of the country to be a part of this initiative that is life-changing for families and the volunteers who help to improve the standard of life,” said Deenise Becenti, NTUA government and public affairs manager. “It’s power for today, tomorrow and the day after that. It’s for generations forward.”