New York Mohawks vote to create 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
It's CHEAP but not necessarily easy: Crosbie introduces PCs' Newfoundland electricity rate reduction strategy
ST. JOHNS - Newfoundland and Labrador PC Leader Ches Crosbie says Muskrat Falls won't drive up electricity rates, if he's elected premier.
According to Crosbie, who presented the party's Crosbie Hydro Energy Action Plan — acronym CHEAP — at a press conference Monday, $575.4 million is needed per year in order to keep rates from ballooning past 14.67 cents per kilowatt hour.
Here's where he thinks the money could come from:
- Hydro rates and dividends — $123.4 million
- Export sales — $40.1 million
- Nalcor restructuring — $30 million
- Holyrood savings — $150 million
- Nalcor oil revenue — $231 million …
