IBEW 1245 Line Crews Wrap Up Volunteer Mission on the Navajo Nation

When IBEW 1245 line crews arrived on the Navajo Nation in late September, they came ready to work. Over the course of a month, they framed and set poles, strung wire and extend electricity to families who have lived for generations without power.

Across the desert, the first wave of PG&E linemen and the second wave of Outside Line crews from Alvah Construction volunteered their time and skill as part of Light Up Navajo (LUN) — a partnership between the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) and public utilities across the country. The initiative aims to connect more than 10,000 homes on the Navajo Nation that still lack electricity.

“Our members take pride in using their craft to make a real difference,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean.

Each rotation began with a Sunday orientation hosted by NTUA, where volunteers learned about safety, logistics, cultural awareness, and the human impact of their work. Crews heard directly from Navajo families about what power would mean for them, then met their NTUA liaisons — local foremen who guided the teams through the project areas.

At the end of each two-week rotation, the volunteers were honored at an appreciation dinner, where families and tribal leaders shared food, stories, and gratitude with the visiting crews.

Both waves of IBEW 1245 volunteers exceeded expectations. The PG&E crews tackled rugged terrain and laid the groundwork for future line extensions, while the Alvah Construction crews were assigned to build 47 poles in two weeks, finishing the job in just six days before moving on to additional projects.

IBEW 1245 Business Representative Todd Kadota originally planned to stay two weeks but ended up remaining for the entire month, coordinating between crews, solving logistical challenges, and lending a hand wherever needed.

“I was fortunate to work with some incredible crews out there,” Kadota said. “Everyone brought their best — they worked hard, looked out for each other, and took real pride in what they were doing. It was an honor to be part of it.”