A powerful homecoming for Austin Energy lineman is 'full circle moment' for career

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Energy crews returned to the Navajo Nation in Arizona, along with other utility crews across the country, to bring electricity to families who have lived generations without power and running water.

Edward Jodie, a lineman with Austin Energy, was part of the caravan that traveled to Window Rock, Arizona. For him, it was a homecoming. He was born in Fort Defiance, Arizona and grew up there until he turned five, moving to Phoenix with his family. He still visited his grandparents on the reservation and still has family there today.

Jodie recalled his visits to his grandparents where he would help with chores and take care of the sheep, horses, goats, and cattle they had. "They didn't have utilities. They didn't have running water or electricity," Jodie explained.

His grandmother would place solar panels on their roof to charge old car batteries. When the sun went down, she would use those batteries to power things like her lamp at night, Jodie explained.

Jodie's grandparents eventually received electricity and running water, but there are still many families living today without those vital resources that we all take for granted. The Navajo Nation, which spans across parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, and is bigger than the state of West Virginia, is covered in a variety of terrain. It can make it difficult to place the infrastructure needed to power the area.

Austin Energy has traveled to the area four times to help with the effort of powering the Navajo Nation. The utility said it works alongside utilities from nine other states. This past trip in April was the first time Jodie was part of the team in Arizona.

Full circle career moment

Jodie was a pizza delivery driver in New Mexico when he made a delivery that changed his career path. He met a group of linemen on a delivery and became friends. "They had nice trucks and nice things and I asked them what they did for a living and they told me they were linemen. And the rest is history," Jodie explained.

He has now been a lineman for 13 years and drives a 55-foot bucket truck for Austin Energy. He said it was a honor to be back in his home using the expertise he has now to make an impact.

"Being able to provide that and use everything I learned in my 13-year career to bring electricity to my own people. It was a great experience and something I'll never forget," Jodie said.

Jodie and his fellow linemen installed 78 poles, roughly 10 miles of overhead conductor wire, and electrified nine homes.

During his trip, Jodie was honored by the Navajo Nation president and was able to catch up with his uncle who had not seen in about 15 years. He said he met some nephews and nieces for the first time.

"Catching him up on my life and the career path I chose," Jodie said of his time with his uncle.

Jodie plans to go back with Austin Energy when the utility makes its next trip to the reservation.