In early November, two dedicated linemen from Medina Electric Cooperative, Edward Varnador and David Hernandez, successfully participated in an electrification mission to the rural village of Matasano, Zacapa, in the Republic of Guatemala. The project aimed to bring the transformative power of electricity to a community still living without this essential resource.
Situated in a mountainous region, Matasano villagers adhere to traditional Mayan practices, relying on wood fires for cooking and candlelight for essential tasks such as schoolwork. Many modern conveniences dependent on electricity are conspicuously absent in their daily lives.
The initiative was coordinated through NRECA International, an organization with a longstanding history of providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to developing countries. For over 60 years, NRECA International has adopted a cooperative approach to low-cost rural electrification, mirroring the principles that guided U.S. electric cooperatives over eight decades ago.
Medina Electric Cooperative, representing Cooperative Principle Number 6, "Cooperation Among Cooperatives," collaborated with linemen from other Texas cooperatives to contribute their expertise to this meaningful project. Varnador and Hernandez leveraged their knowledge and experience to construct approximately 47 power poles to include five transformers along four miles of primary line and three miles of secondary line. The manual labor to transport equipment in this mountainous region proved difficult, but not impossible. The efforts of the linemen and villagers ultimately provided power to approximately 65 homes adding two light switches, two outlets and four lights. In addition, these efforts also electrified a local school and church.
The success of this initiative is a testament to the collective efforts of 10 Texas electric cooperatives, including Medina EC, and numerous business partners such as CoBank, Schneider Engineering, LineTec, Texas Electric Cooperatives, and other sponsors. The project received overwhelming support, raising more than $250,000 to finance this critical endeavor.
Medina EC CEO Trey Grebe expressed his pride in the linemen, acknowledging their personal sacrifice and commitment to fostering positive change in an unfamiliar environment. He emphasized the significance of this electrification effort, recognizing its potential to improve the standard of living for generations in Matasano.
Grebe stated, “I’m proud of our linemen, Edward and David, for agreeing to travel internationally to a rural village to help the community grow and thrive. I acknowledge that it was a personal sacrifice for them and their family to be away, embarking in conditions that are unfamiliar, and facing new challenges in a different culture. However, the opportunity to support this village is going to make a real difference in the lives of the local people helping them reach the first steps to improving their standard of living for generations to come.”
The electrification of Matasano is anticipated to yield positive economic impacts—increased work production, growth in local businesses, enhanced daily life, and expanded educational and health opportunities. Beyond the installation of poles and wires, the linemen's experience resonates with the people and the community they have empowered.
Upon his return, Varnador expressed, "I enjoyed every bit of the trip—the view and the villagers were my favorite." Hernandez concurred, adding, "The most memorable part was seeing the villagers' faces when we showed up. They were willing to help with whatever was needed to get power. The look on their faces was priceless."
