SSEMC Linemen Help 'Light Up Navajo'

The Light Up Navajo project is a vital mutual-aid initiative created by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) and the American Public Power Association (APPA). The initiative aims to bring electricity to more than 10,000 families across the Navajo Nation, which represents 75 percent of all unelectrified homes in the U.S. Snapping Shoals EMC sent eight volunteer linemen to assist with the effort. During the two-week project, they set approximately 65 poles and pulled in about 4 miles of wire.

Randy Nixon, an SSEMC crew foreman, led the effort to coordinate volunteers for the project, which he describes as “Mutual Aid without the storm.”

“They have a need for power across their system. Their reservation is the size of West Virginia. In order for the NTUA to build all of the lines, it would cost them billions, and they would have to raise the rates on their consumers so high that they would not be able to afford it. So what they do is ask for help from all over the country.”

He also shared the importance of SSEMC’s apprentice linemen taking part in projects like this. 

“The younger guys did an extremely good job. They had great attitudes, worked hard, just the way that they do here every day. It lets them see another side of the world that is not as fortunate as we are.”

A THANK YOU OUR LINEMEN WILL NEVER FORGET

During an appreciation dinner held at the conclusion of the two-week project, members of the Navajo Nation shared their gratitude for the work and sacrifice of our linemen. One woman shared what it was like when electricity first came to her family’s home.

“You guys don’t know how much of a difference you make. As a little girl growing up, there were times when my mom would catch me reading a  book at night with a flashlight, and she would get mad, telling me I needed to save the batteries for when we really needed it. Since our light switches turned on, I’m excited to read my books without having to save my batteries. Thank you for brightening our future. Thank you for sacrificing time with your loved ones to light our house and make it a home.”