Gila River Indian Community

Population: 11,712

Size: 585 sq. mi.

Median Household Income: $28,779

The Gila River Indian Community has its own Utility Authority and a Community Renewable Energy Team made up of Council representatives, Community Department representatives, and Utility Authority members. This team and the Utility Authority conducted a Strategic Energy Planning workshop in 2010 with more than 50 participants. A highlight of the Energy Plan was the designation of several brownfield sites for future potential solar energy development.

The Community has installed solar street lighting in the Sacaton and Casa Blanca communities through federal grants, and used community funds to install solar lighting at the George Webb and D-5 Multi-purpose facility projects.

The Community obtained grants from the U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture for facility- and commercial-scale solar or biomass projects on tribal land, but has not currently pursued the construction of either project.

The Community is pursuing the development of a 33 MW tracking solar PV system, on tribal reservation land, for Community use, to provide electricity for water pumping and irrigation, and to sell power to nearby municipal and agricultural systems.

This information was gathered from conversations with tribal representatives. The census data was found online and represents 2010 figures.

Sources:

• Statement developed by Utilities Director Leonard Gold, approved by Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority board.
• Conversations with John Lewis and Jason Hauter, Community members.
• Demographic Analysis for the Gila River Community