Massachusetts Public Power Utility Donates Equipment For Light Up Navajo Project

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 5, 2022

Massachusetts public power utility Peabody Municipal Light Plant (PMLP) recently donated surplus equipment to help with electrification of Navajo Nation through the Light Up Navajo Project.

Light Up Navajo is a joint effort between the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA).

Approximately 700 outdoor distribution fuse cutouts, at current prices and valued at over $70,000, will help bring power to families in Navajo Nation, PMLP said.

The cutouts donated by PMLP are made of porcelain which is less reliable in the New England climate with hot and cold seasons. The stable temperature in Navajo Nation is a better environment for this style cutout, PMLP said.

PMLP currently uses a similar cutout made from a polymer material. The Peabody Municipal Lighting Commission unanimously approved the move.

“PMLP has always been about reliable power in our service territory,” said Commission Chairman Thomas D’Amato. “The Commission is happy to help our counterparts on Navajo Nation enjoy the benefits of a stable energy supply.”

Srinivasa Venigalla, Deputy General Manager of NTUA said the cutouts “will make a difference for the families who have been waiting for electricity here on the Navajo Nation.”

Meanwhile, planning for Light Up Navajo III, which will connect Navajo Nation families to the power grid, is underway. Public power utilities are encouraged to consider participating in Light Up Navajo III, which will start in the spring of this year.

APPA is working with NTUA, based in Fort Defiance, Ariz., to help volunteers continue to bring electricity to families in need.

Light Up Navajo III is scheduled to take place from April through June of 2022.

Interested public power utilities should contact lightup-navajoproject@ntua.com for more information on this important event.