Navajo Tribal Utility Authority®

The Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company (NNOGC) spearheaded the effort by donating $50,000 to NTUA to help provide financial assistance so individuals—especially the elderly—can pay their utility bills. While healthcare entities were receiving necessary supplies and various charities were offering food/water supplies, NNOGC believed that it could provide desperately needed help another way.

 

“NNOGC recognizes these are difficult times for the Navajo Nation, and hopes this donation can bring rest to fears that many of its citizens might have during this crisis,” said NNOGC CEO James McClure. “Our partnership with NTUA to assist its elderly customers links to our corporate values.”

 

Inspired by the generous gift, the NTUA management board unanimously voted April 24th to match the donation, pledging an additional $50,000 to help offset utility bills for individuals and families who were adversely impacted by COVID-19.

 

“NNOGC set the stage with a donation that will ease the burden for many families,” said Walter Haase, general manager of NTUA. “Our management board unanimously approved joining forces and matching the contribution in order to help the people who are struggling the most during this pandemic.”

 

The NNOGC and NTUA collaboration led to the creation of the Nihi’ K’é Bá (NKB) Humanitarian fund (NKB fund), or Helping our People through K’é  (Kinship).” The NKB Fund will be used to assist with utility payments for individuals and families who were adversely impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NKB fund is earmarked for elderly customers enrolled in the Senior Citizen Discount Program and individuals who are registered in the Life-Support program. The funds may also be used to offset utility bills for struggling families who were also adversely impacted.

 

Please contact: Deenise Becenti at NTUA for more information – 928-729-6221 or dbecenti@ntua.com