Foley, Ala. — Riviera Utilities will once again send a team of electric lineworkers to the Navajo Nation as part of the Light Up Navajo initiative, a nationwide effort to bring electricity to families who have never had it before. In partnership with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and the American Public Power Association, Riviera will send 10 lineworkers to Chinle, Arizona.
The crew will travel April 10–11, work April 12–17, and return home April 18–19. Light Up Navajo is a mutual-aid style initiative that brings together utility crews from across the country to extend electric service to some of the most remote areas in the United States. Since launching in 2019, the program has connected hundreds of homes to the grid — including more than 170 homes in 2024 alone — helping reduce the number of U.S. households without electricity.
Despite being the largest Native American territory in the country, the Navajo Nation still has thousands of families living without access to electricity. For many, daily life without power means traveling long distances for water, relying on generators or ice chests to preserve food, and going without reliable heating, cooling, or lighting. Riviera’s participation reflects the spirit of public power — utilities helping communities not only in times of crisis, but in moments of opportunity.
“Projects like this remind us why we do what we do,” said Brian Skelton, President and CEO of Riviera Utilities. “Electricity is foundational to quality of life — it supports health, safety, education, and opportunity. Our team understands the impact of their work, and they carry that responsibility with pride. We are honored to stand alongside utilities from across the country to help bring that access to families who have waited years for it.”
Crews participating in Light Up Navajo work side-by-side with NTUA personnel to construct new power lines, set poles, and connect homes in rugged, often remote terrain. The program significantly reduces the cost of electrification by leveraging volunteer labor and shared resources, accelerating progress in areas where infrastructure challenges have historically slowed expansion.
Last year, Riviera’s crew helped connect multiple families to electricity for the first time — a moment that goes far beyond flipping a switch. Access to power enables families to refrigerate food, safely heat and cool their homes, and access modern tools for education and communication.
For Riviera Utilities, the impact is just as meaningful. “Our lineworkers come back changed,” Skelton added. “They see firsthand how something we provide every day at home can completely transform someone else’s life. That perspective stays with them — and it strengthens the way we serve our own communities here at home.”
Riviera Utilities is proud to continue its participation in Light Up Navajo, carrying forward its commitment to service, reliability, and improving quality of life — wherever the need exists.
Riviera Utilities is a public utility company serving the South Baldwin and the Eastern Shore communities. For media requests or for more information about Riviera, please email communications@rivierautilities.com.
