Foley and Daphne, Ala. — Riviera Utilities is proud to announce that on April 4, 2025, we will deploy nine lineworkers to participate in the Light Up Navajo initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at bringing electricity to homes within the Navajo Nation that have never had power. This mission underscores our commitment to leveraging our local expertise to assist families in need, reinforcing the belief that no family should go without essential services.
The Light Up Navajo project, spearheaded by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) in partnership with the American Public Power Association (APPA), seeks to connect Navajo Nation homes to the electric grid. The Navajo Nation, spanning portions of northeastern Arizona, southeastern Utah, and northwestern New Mexico, is the largest Native American territory in the United States, with an estimated population of around 300,000. Despite its size, many families within the Nation continue to live without electricity. The initiative brings together utility companies from across the country to address these challenges and improve the quality of life for Navajo families.
Our team of dedicated lineworkers will spend 10 days on-site in Chinle, Arizona, working diligently to install the necessary infrastructure to electrify homes. This endeavor not only allows us to extend our services beyond Baldwin County but also provides our employees with invaluable training and experience in diverse environments.
"At Riviera Utilities, we believe that no family should go without access to essential services," said Brian Skelton, President and Chief Executive Officer at Riviera Utilities. "Our lineworkers are honored to use their expertise to help bring electricity to homes that have never had power before. This initiative is about more than utility work — it’s about changing lives.”
Participating in the Light Up Navajo initiative aligns seamlessly with Riviera Utilities' mission to serve and uplift communities. By sharing our skills and resources, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of families who have long awaited access to electricity.
"I have wanted to go help out since I heard about Light Up Navajo five years ago," said Richard Sanspree, a Riviera Journey Lineworker of 26 years. "We have the chance to change lives, and that hits home for me. It'll be a mentally challenging trip. We've never worked in the mountains or desert, but we are ready."
Riviera Utilities is a public utility company serving the Eastern Shore, central, and south Baldwin County communities. For media requests or for more information about Riviera, please email communications@rivierautilities.com.
Contact: Lily Jackson, Communications Coordinator (o) 251-943-5001 ext. 2109 | (c) 251-597-6916 ljackson@rivierautilities.com
