Line Superintendent Josh Morrison and Engineering Technician Josh Knight recently traveled to Guatemala with a team of 15 linemen from eight North Carolina electric cooperatives to help bring electricity to El Plan Nuevo Amanecer for the first time.
This project was part of the Brighter World Initiative, led by North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives in partnership with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association International. The initiative extends the cooperative mission globally by helping bring electricity to rural international communities that previously had limited or no access to power. The work included delivering power to more than 50 homes, a school, and two churches.

“These villagers lived their whole lives without electricity. Seeing their faces light up when the power came on is a moment I’ll never forget.”

“It was a true honor to be asked to go to Guatemala. Serving on a project like this is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Morrison. “These villagers lived their whole lives without electricity. Seeing their faces light up when the power came on is a moment I’ll never forget.”

This job in El Plan Nuevo Amanecer presented challenges different than what the linemen are accustomed to at home. Extreme humidity, dusty conditions, and limited access to equipment required crews to travel on foot and rely more on climbing poles. Experiencing these conditions firsthand gave the group a greater appreciation for the challenges Guatemalan linemen endure every day.

While the different environment presented challenges, the impact of the work made every condition worthwhile. Knight explained that one of the most memorable moments came from the children. “Every time we passed by one of the homes, a young girl would run out, wave and say ‘adios,’” Knight mentioned. Experiences like that highlighted the impact the crews and arrival of electricity had on the community, particularly on the children who watched the transformation unfold firsthand.

For Morrison and Knight, the trip to Guatemala was more than a job. It served as a reminder of the impact and purpose behind the work electric cooperatives perform daily. While the crew helped build power lines and connect homes, they also created new opportunities. Although their efforts were to bring electricity to the community, the most lasting memories are the people they met and the lives their work will continue to impact.