Tribe to Initiate Electricity Assistance Pilot Project
Feb 25, 2015
Will Assist Elders 70 and Over
Akwesasne, NY – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is proud to announce the initiation of a one-time pilot project to provide monetary support assisting Tribal elders with their electricity costs. With rising cost of home heating and electricity in the northeast, Tribal Council has responded to elders’ requests for additional assistance.
“Our elderly relatives rarely ask for help, so when we are made aware of a need, we take it seriously,” acknowledged Tribal Chief Beverly Cook. “For months, we have searched for a sustainable source of funds for this pilot project that does not take away from other vulnerable populations. It was a team effort including our CFO, Administration, Compliance Department and Council. The SRMT is very happy to be able to offer this assistance.”
In the hopes that the project will prove to be a success, Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance also shared his sentiment, “I am proud to announce that Tribal Council is rolling out this new pilot project. Helping our elders out in ways that help them in the cold months is priority number one for us. It’s my hope that this project will be picked up for years to come.”
This one-time pilot project will provide monetary assistance on electric utility bills for a three month period.Compliance will remit up to seventy-five dollars ($75.00) per month on a qualified individual’s electricity bill. Members who reside in rental units where electricity is included and who qualify for the utility assistance may have their allocation forwarded to assist in their rental unit fees.
To be eligible for the pilot project, the applicant must:
- Be a Tribal member aged 70 or over
- Reside within the designated 15-mile radius of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
- Bring in electric utility bill account information to the Compliance Department located in the Tribal Community Building
Compliance staff will be accepting account information from February 26 to March 19, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. All information must be verified prior to being included in the pilot project. For further information, please contact the Compliance Department at (518) 358-2272.
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Please direct media inquiries to the Communications Department at 518-358-2272.