As of late July, crews had energized 107 homes and constructed two miles of power lines in Cameron, Arizona—part of a 13-mile build serving one of the most isolated communities on the Navajo Nation. The construction includes nearly 60 poles placed across rugged terrain along Highway 89.
“This project brings a renewed sense of hope to our people,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren during a July site visit. “It represents what is possible when partnerships are built around mutual respect and shared commitment.”
Unlike conventional utility projects, Light Up Navajo follows a mutual-aid model that does not rely on disaster declarations. Participating utility crews volunteer their time, equipment, and travel costs. NTUA provides infrastructure materials, including poles, transformers, and wire.
Since its launch in 2019, the program has connected more than 880 homes. Each annual phase typically lasts 11 to 13 weeks and includes support from dozens of public power utilities. While 2025 numbers are still being finalized, past years have seen more than 250 lineworkers representing over 40 utilities.
For many crews, the work is personal. “If I can have electricity, so should these people up here,” said Bryan English, a foreman with Trico Electric Cooperative in Arizona.
Despite notable progress, NTUA estimates that between 10,400 and 13,500 homes across the Navajo Nation remain without electricity. This represents one of the highest rates of energy poverty in the country.
For residents, electrification often brings essential quality-of-life upgrades—from refrigeration and lighting to access to medical equipment and communication tools.
Sona Francis Shorthair, who waited 19 years for power, expressed gratitude after her home was energized: “The work all of you have done … I really appreciate it. I’m very thankful, and I have happy tears.”
While the cost of electrifying remote homes can reach $40,000 per household, Light Up Navajo reduces that figure to under $8,000 by leveraging donated labor and materials.
In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $100 million investment to help NTUA scale decentralized electrification using solar and battery storage. The grant aims to support up to 13,000 home connections per year, though full electrification of the Navajo Nation may require $400–$416 million and decades of additional effort.
“We are deeply grateful to the communities who have stepped forward,” said NTUA General Manager Walter Haase. “This initiative is not just about infrastructure—it’s about restoring dignity and creating opportunity.”
