Several electric cooperative employees in Oklahoma recently returned from an effort to bring electricity to members of the Navajo nation in New Mexico.
At least 10 lineworkers from five electric cooperatives in Oklahoma took part in the mutual aid project that is called the Light Up Navajo initiative.
Lineworkers worked for 6 days alongside crews from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority in the region of Shiprock, New Mexico – bringing first-time electricity to Navajo families.
The project is the work of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and leaders already are planning another effort in the Spring of 2026.
They described the latest work as “another successful end” to 2025 Light Up Navajo. From April 2025 to August 2025, 44 outside utility companies traveled to the Navajo Nation with the goal of connecting the homes of families living without electricity. They worked alongside NTUA electric crews to extend power to at least 200 homes in the four month time frame.
Light Up Navajo is a mutual aid training project that was launched in 2019 to connect homes under an expedited time frame. Each year, outside utilities send their electric crews to the Navajo Nation to help connect homes and extend powerlines. Thousands who live in the nation have lived without electricity. Some have waited for decades for the ability to light up their homes.
“The visiting volunteer line workers signed up to travel here to help make a life changing difference for families,” said NTUA General Manager Walter W. Haase. “They leave with an immense pride of accomplishment, especially when families thank them with heartful words of gratitude. It is a life changing experience for everyone involved.
LUN VI had representation from a cross section of the utility industry. Public Power utilities, Rural Co-operatives, and Investor-Owned Utilities signed up their teams to participate. Traveling teams represented the 21 states from coast to coast.
“The utilities worked together to reach the common goal of helping to make a difference,” Haase said. “They understood the need and worked hard to build powerlines and connect homes in remote and isolated homesteads. ”
