Twelve line workers from the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) left on June 1st to spend two weeks helping to build electric infrastructure within the Navajo Nation. In this region of the country, there are thousands of families whose homes have never had electricity. This is the second year that PWC workers have participated in the mutual aid effort, Light Up Navajo, a collaborative effort organized by the American Public Power Association.

“Last year, our crews were moved by the direct and immediate impact their work had on the lives of the 13 families who finally had access to electricity in their homes,” said Jonathan Rynne, PWC’s Chief Operations Officer for the Electric Systems Division in a press release. “Despite the challenges of working in a desert environment with rocky soil, each of the crews came back sharing stories about their experiences and were touched by the kindness and appreciation shown to them while they were there.”

The project has brought together crews from across the country since 2019 to support the Navajo Tribe Utility Authority (NTUA) in their efforts to make sure every member has access to electricity. NTUA is a public power provider and its 27,000 square mile service territory covers four western states. Within the vast service area, there are over 13,000 families that still do not have basic access to electricity, water, or broadband internet.

“I would like to thank our Linemen for volunteering to represent the PWC team as they bring public power to those who truly need it most in the Navajo Nation” said Timothy Bryant, CEO/General Manager of Fayetteville PWC in a press release. “This speaks to the dedication of our crews and their volunteerism as they support this life-changing project. Their commitment to service is truly exceptional.”

Last year, PWC workers were a part of Light up Navajo IV which included 26 crews from 16 states who connected 130 families to electric service.