In a remarkable demonstration of community spirit and dedication, 15 volunteers from Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives traveled to the remote village of Barejones in Guatemala, bringing the life-changing gift of electricity to its residents for the first time. This project, part of the seventh international electrification initiative led by Oklahoma’s cooperatives, marks a significant milestone in their ongoing mission to empower rural communities both at home and abroad.
A MOMENT OF TRANSFORMATION
Upon completion of the project, Alfalfa Electric CEO/General Manager Greg Goetz attended the lighting ceremony and witnessed the indescribable joy and awe on the villagers’ faces as light illuminated their world for the first time. “Seeing the excitement and gratitude of the Barejones villagers was incredibly moving,” Goetz said. “It reinforces electricity’s impact on a community and strengthens our determination to continue empowering rural areas.”
The monumental project took place in the village of Barejones, in the city of Jalapa, about three hours from Guatemala City. The linemen successfully installed 51 poles, three transformers, and approximately 5 miles of power lines. The team also wired 19 homes and two elementary schools.
MORE THAN JUST ELECTRICITY
For the villagers of Barejones, this project represents more than just electrical connectivity; it promises a profound transformation in daily life. By equipping homes with four lightbulbs, two switches, and two outlets, families now have basic infrastructure to enhance their quality of life.
Chris Meyers, General Manager of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, emphasized the significance of these efforts. “Bringing electricity to remote areas in developing countries takes electric cooperatives back to their roots,” he said. “It’s a life-changing gift that not only improves the quality of life but also fosters economic growth and community development.”
THE HEART OF THE MISSION
The heart and soul of this electrification project lay with the volunteer linemen whose hard work and dedication have left a lasting impact on the Barejones community. Each team member played an integral role in bringing this vision to life, from building power lines to wiring homes and schools.
Alfalfa Electric proudly supports the Oklahoma Energy Trails Foundation’s mission to bring electricity to remote villages. Since 2016, we have sent three dedicated volunteers to assist with these life-changing projects. In 2017, TIM JENLINK helped power the village of Chiis. In 2019, BRYAN KIMMINAU was instrumental in delivering electricity to Sillab for the first time. In 2022, RICHARD JACKSON electrified the village of La Montanita de la Virgen.
“Joining the Energy Trails team was truly life-changing,” said Jackson, Alfalfa Electric crew foreman. “You start with the intention of giving but receive so much more from the villagers. Many of the guys that went this year have volunteered multiple times, showing this program’s profound impact on the volunteers.”
For these villagers, electricity is more than just a convenience; it’s a beacon of hope and a path to a brighter future. For the cooperative members who made this mission possible, it reaffirms the power of community and cooperation.
Together, we’re not just lighting homes but also illuminating futures. “It was an honor to be a part of this year’s project,” Goetz said. “Our 2024 mission at Alfalfa Electric, ‘ENERGIZE OUR NEIGHBORS,’ aligns perfectly with scale initiatives like Energy Trails.”
