By: A.Lee ASU intern | The Navajo Post | June 14

PHOENIX – According to a press release from SRP, it has agreed to purchase solar photovoltaic ‘Renewable Energy Certificates’ (RECs) from the Navajo Nation Electricity giant, Navajo Tribal utility Authority (NTUA). The deal is estimated to cost $220,000 and is a five year agreement, which is said to acquire additional off-grid systems for tribal residents.

“This is an opportunity that we see as a direct benefit for our solar energy customers,” said NTUA General Manager Walter Haase. “With this partnership, SRP is helping us help families who otherwise might not be able to have any access to electrical power. This program will provide that basic access.”

According to NTUA, since 1999 they have been providing ‘solar photovoltaic power systems’ to low income customers and as of today they are renting out 263 solar power grids to Navajo homes.

SRP is making it’s way into the Navajo Nation, earlier this year they partnered with NTUA and are currently working on a project that will bring  electricity to more than 62 LeChee-area homes over a three-year period.

“SRP is excited about the opportunity to partner with NTUA in providing more people on the Navajo Nation with access to electricity,” said Charlie Duckworth, Senior Director of SRP Energy Management. “The purchase adds to the number of distributed photovoltaic systems available on the Navajo Nation and improves the welfare of the Navajo people by providing more tribal members access to electricity.”