Navajo Utility Authority To Take Over AZ Windsong Company

Arizona Corporation Commissioners approved an agreement that will allow Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) to take over Arizona Windsong Company’s customers, ensuring safer water at a lower rate.

Arizona Windsong, has been struggling to maintain its infrastructure and provide water to its 69 customers in Sanders, Arizona. The well is contaminated with uranium and is unsafe to drink. NTUA serves nearly 40,000 electric and water customers, nearly 14,000 wastewater customers, and just under 8,000 natural gas customers in the area. NTUA is able to connect Arizona Windsong customers to their system immediately. NTUA will apply their current rates which will result in an average of a 41% reduction in the former Arizona Windsong customers’ bills.

“There is world class poverty in the Navajo Nation, where access to electricity, water, and even nutrition is very poor,” said Commissioner Tom Forese. “We want to see solutions like this become the model not just for the Navajo Nation, but for other communities in Arizona struggling with water issues.”

NTUA will pay Arizona Windsong $10,000 for its distribution system and Arizona Windsong will cease operation. Senator Carlyle Begay assisted in brokering the deal.

“This is truly a win,” said Chairman Doug Little. “This agreement was the best possible result. I want to thank NTUA and Senator Begay who worked so hard to make this happen. There are many more struggling small water companies in our state where the solutions are harder to come by. We are committed to finding positive solutions like this that can ensure safe reliable water.”

The Commission supports House Bill 2331 which currently being considered by the legislature. If passed, it would provide $500,000 for grants to small water companies. That money could help a struggling water company either upgrade its infrastructure in order to operate safely, or become a more viable investment for larger water companies or cities.

About ADI Staff Reporter 12168 Articles
Under the leadership of Editor-in -Chief Huey Freeman, our team of staff reporters bring accurate,timely, and complete news coverage.