Electric cooperatives powering developing region of Guatemala

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Posted on Mar 28 2019 in Features

A crew of 14 Indiana electric cooperative lineworkers are in Guatemala March 24 – April 9 as part of an international initiative to bring electricity to a developing area in Guatemala.

We take the modern conveniences electricity provides us for granted. But many families in remote areas of the world live the simplest of lives. They endure extreme hardships because electricity isn’t available. 

The “Project Indiana” crew will spend two weeks electrifying the village of San Jacinto in east central Guatemala, a part of the Central American country where electricity is not available. When the crews leave, the homes in the village, a school and a clinic will have electricity for the first time. The village will receive electric power generated at a hydroelectric facility in the region.

In 2012, 28 Hoosier lineworkers from 17 of Indiana’s electric cooperatives, spent four weeks working across the mountainous terrain to bring electricity to 184 homes, a church and a school in three villages. In 2015, the vision grew into Project Indiana and sustainable change – moving beyond electrifying villages to making them a better place to live and enhancing the community – just as happened more than 80 years ago when electricity first came to rural Indiana. This is the electric cooperatives’ fourth project trip and the sixth village to be electrified.

Through Project Indiana, we’re empowering global communities one village at a time. And, we know it all begins with electricity – access to better healthcare, fresh drinking water, expanded educational opportunities, economic development and increased public safety. 

In the end, it’s not only light that Project Indiana brings – it’s life, hope, progress and opportunities. 


Project Indiana is helping global communities advance by adopting villages, bringing them electric power and supporting them as they form electric cooperatives that enable them to enjoy a better way of life – and a brighter future. 

How can I make a difference?

The easiest way you can get involved is by making a financial contribution. Every dollar makes a difference. All donations are tax deductible and 100 percent goes directly to the mission of electrifying and supporting the adopted communities. You can donate online by visiting ProjectIndiana.org.

Share the journey

Visit ProjectIndiana.org to follow the project team as they work March 24 – April 9 in San Jacinto, Guatemala.