IMPORTANT SOLAR ANNOUNCEMENT

The Akwesasne Housing Authority (AHA), in partnership with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, is working on a 3-point funding application to the U.S. Department of Energy, Tribal Energy Program, to begin what is hoped will be the first major solar “farm” in the community of Akwesasne.

This funding application (deadline December 4, 2015) is under the DOE’s Community-Scale Clean Energy Deployment Topic Area 2. The AHA “Go Solar” Initiative, if awarded, will result in the establishment of a “virtual remote net metering” project, producing enough electricity to serve three distinct groups of beneficiaries in Akwesasne.

1. AHA’s Sunrise Acres Elderly Complex. Increase solar capacity with the addition of its commercial buildings (old and new) will allow reduced operational costs by generating its own power.

2. Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s commercial building(s) (to be determined). The Tribe will provide acreage for placement of the solar farm and one or more tribal buildings will receive solar power credits providing lower cost and clean energy.

3. Tribal members. To offset unmanageable electricity bills and possibly assist in reducing delinquencies facing both low and moderate income families.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT REQUIRES THE IMMEDIATE ACTION BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS ON THE US PORTION OF THE RESERVATION WHO PAY ELECTRICITY (NAT’L GRID OR OTHER PROVIDERS) AND FUEL BILLS.

The AHA is designing a special pilot project that will assist tribal members, based on a priority list, and if enough funds are awarded to allow a large enough PV (KwH) system. The project will serve as many families on the list as possible. You do not need to be in “disconnection mode” with the power company to be considered for this project, but low household income is considered a priority. If this pilot project is successful, it could lead to an expansion of the solar farm to serve the entire community with solar generated power, offsetting electricity bills for everyone.

This special pilot project will require the full participation of the entire household by:

• Continuing regular payments towards their electric bill

• Committing to reducing household electricity consumption by at least 15%

• Committing to participating in special educational sessions and events by family members

• Committing to long term monitoring of electricity billings

Your family’s commitment will ensure continuance of project benefits. If interested in being placed on the priority list, we must receive the following documentation now:

1. A signed Utility Account Information Data Release Form.

2. Copies of your National Grid (or other) and fuel bills for the last 12 months.

Documents must show your account numbers and must be in the name of the individual signing the release form. Once this information is collected, the AHA will summarize all of the information and submit the grant. If awarded, the AHA will be in contact to begin the special pilot project.

Call the AHA office at 518-358-9020 for more information or stop in to submit the documents required. If you cannot find your electricity bills, we can assist you in obtaining the information online.