In a heartfelt celebration of progress and partnership, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren joined families, utility crews, and community members on June 19 to honor the transformative work of the Light Up Navajo VI initiative.
This appreciation dinner was a celebration of community, partnership, and progress. Everyone gathered to honor the incredible crews who have traveled far distances to help bridge the gap of households who don’t have access electricity among the Navajo Nation.
The Light Up Navajo initiative is a joint effort between the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) and American Public Power Association (APPA), designed to bring electricity to thousands of Navajo homes that still live without power. Many of these homes have waited decades and are located far from utility lines within remote areas.
So far, the initiative has successfully energized 107 homes across the Navajo Nation that previously had no access to power. With over six weeks remaining in the initiative, Light Up Navajo VI remains on track to reach its goal of powering at least 175 homes by the end of the summer.
In the Shiprock region, the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) crew was made up of a group of 8 linemen who came from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM. Just recently, these linemen volunteered to get one family connected this week.
President Nygren emphasized that this is not just about infrastructure it’s about transformation.
“Electricity means food can be kept fresh, children can study at night, elders can live with comfort and dignity. This is life-changing,” he said.
Also in attendance was PNM Board Member Cathy Newby, who was recognized for her leadership and ongoing support for the partnership.
“To our partners at PNM, your crews have been working side-by-side with NTUA and local teams, helping us reach families who have waited for years,” President Nygren said.
