New York Mohawks vote to create electric utility
ST. REGIS MOHAWK RESERVATION, NEW YORK - The St. Regis Mohawk tribe will set up its own tribal electric utility.
Tribe members approved creation of their own electric utility by a margin of 445-102 during tribal elections.
It will cost about $13.7 million to build a power plant and distribution system on the reservation, which borders the U.S.-Canadian border in northern New York. The tribe would also have to pay National Grid a $4.3 million exit fee.
Mohawk leaders say running their own power plant will result in lower delivery rates immediately and protect the tribe from future rate increases while enhancing its sovereignty. About 11,000 residents live on the New York side of the reservation.
The Mohawks are joining at least nine other tribes who operate their own public utilities.
Related News
Ontario introduces new 'ultra-low' overnight hydro pricing
TORONTO - The Ontario government is introducing a new “ultra-low overnight” electricity plan that can benefit shift workers and individuals who charge electric vehicles while they sleep.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Energy Minister Todd Smith said the new plan could save customers up to $90 a year.
“Consumer preferences are still changing and our government realized there was more we could do, especially as the province continues to have an excess supply of clean electricity at night when province-wide electricity demand is lower,” Smith said.
The new rate, which will be available as an opt-in option as of May 1,…
