Tennessee lineworkers bring light to two remote Guatemalan villages
Three Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation lineworkers — Portland District Fourth Period Apprentice Lineman Micah Hagan, Gallatin District Serviceman Josh Kennedy, and Gallatin District Lineman Jake Perry — recently returned from a life-changing mission to bring electricity to two remote villages in Guatemala.
They joined a 15-member volunteer crew from electric cooperatives across Tennessee — including Appalachian Electric Cooperative, Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Middle Tennessee Electric, Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative, and Volunteer Energy Cooperative.
The crew worked for 17 days in the mountainous communities of Corral Viejo and La Paz, building nearly eight miles of power line across rugged terrain, to connect 28 homes, two schools, and a small business to electricity for the very first time. The work will allow children to study after dark, families to refrigerate food and store medicine and entrepreneurs to open or expand their businesses.
“It is impossible to fully grasp the impact this project will have on the people of these villages,” said Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Their lives will be forever changed thanks to the service and sacrifice of these volunteer lineworkers.”
For many residents, it marked the first time they could flip a switch and see their home illuminated.
“I thank God for this blessing that has come to our village,” said Corral Viejo resident Leonel Perez. “I have lived here for 34 years, and I never thought we would see anything like this.”
For CEMC’s Micah Hagan, the project held special meaning. “I was born in Guatemala before I was adopted and brought to the States,” Hagan shared. “I was really drawn to doing something for the people here, and it was a special opportunity. I’m thankful I was able to do it.”
The project was part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association International Program, an ongoing effort to extend electric service to underserved areas, reflecting the cooperative principle of Concern for Community — a commitment that extends beyond state or national borders.
“The people in the villages are experiencing something that we experienced in our communities 80 years ago,” said Mike Partin, CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and president of the NRECA board of directors, “and it will change lives forever.”
The volunteers are excited about the opportunities created by the project and the bond formed with fellow lineworkers from across the state.
“For me to be able to come here and maybe initiate a small spark that might help these communities to grow was an opportunity I really wanted to jump on to,” said Nick Gipson, a line foreman for Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and team leader for the project. “These were some of the best men that I’ve ever worked with, and I would work with them anywhere in the world.”
In addition to building power lines, Volunteer Energy Cooperative donated 50 pairs of shoes for the children in the villages, while Middle Tennessee Electric, Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, and Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative provided six new laptops for the village schools. These gifts will help students take their first steps into a brighter academic future and give teachers new tools to prepare the next generation.
Tennessee co-ops, along with supply partners United Utility Supply and Gresco, also provided new hardhats, work gloves, rubber gloves and headlamps for the lineworkers at the local Guatemalan utility.
The project would not have been possible without the support of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, CoBank, TVA, United Utility Supply and Gresco.
“This project was a perfect example of what happens when co-ops work together,” said CEMC General Manager Chris Davis. “Micah, Josh, and Jake gave their time and skills to bring hope and opportunity to these communities, and we are incredibly proud of their service.”