NewsThe US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm announces financial support for the generation of power in Arizona's tribal communities
May 23, 2023
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm met with Arizona tribes to announce $50 million in funding for electric grid modernization, and $34 million in grants for clean energy projects.
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- The Navajo Nation was awarded $21.8 million for power line upgrades, while the Hopi Utilities Commission will receive $3.6 million to build a microgrid and the San Carlos Apache Tribe received $4 million to construct a solar-powered microgrid for hospital buildings.
- Ojo Encino Chapter of the Navajo Nation will use its grant to install 50 solar power systems tied to local grid, offsetting 95% of electric bills and saving families some $2 million over system's life.
- White Mountain Apache Tribe Vice Chairman Jerome Kasey noted some homes had outdated meters that could not be serviced, and Pascua Yaqui Councilwoman Herminia Frias mentioned some homes were not energy efficient despite having installed solar panels without weatherization.
- Tohono O'odham Utility Authority General Manager Brian Fickett noted the tribe needed better infrastructure and stated they are at end of line on electric grid, losing power when California cuts theirs.
