Navigator to electrify homes

Efforts to electrify the Navajo Nation continue amid significant challenges, with 32% of homes still lacking electricity. The Light Up Navajo program, supported by public and private funding, has connected 882 families since its inception in 2019, but it could take another 26 years to reach all remaining homes, costing $416 million. Lorraine Black and Ricky Gillis, who waited five years for their connection, highlight the urgency for reliable power, especially for medical devices like CPAP machines. The pandemic severely delayed connection processes, reflecting the historic neglect of infrastructure on the reservation. The vast and rugged geography complicates installation, necessitating extensive labor and resources. As climate change exacerbates conditions, the push for electrification gains urgency, with many families still relying on inadequate solar panels or generators.