AKWESASNE -- Members of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe who are age 68 years and over have a $75 reduction in their monthly electric bills or rent beginning this month.

It is the first of three monthly reductions elders will receive following a decision by the Tribal Council to renew a program that first ran during the spring, the tribe said.

This year, tribe officials started it sooner to assist elders with their utility bill during the coldest months of the year, or with rent for those that have electricity included in their rental agreements.

“Based on the success of last year’s pilot program, we were determined to re-evaluate and, hopefully, to expand the project to help more of our community’s elders,” said Tribal Chief Beverly Cook.

From April to June, 214 tribal elders aged 70 years and over located within the designated 15-mile radius of the tribe’s U.S. portion were eligible to receive the cash assistance.

This year, the minimum age requirement was lowered to 68 years old and will assist 248 elders with their electric bills and 24 individuals with their rent at Sunrise Acres, for a total of 272 tribal seniors, the tribe said.

“At the January 2016 tribal meeting, it was announced the Tribe’s Energy Assistance Pilot Program was being renewed for another year,” stated Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance. “Several elders were in attendance and expressed appreciation for the continued help, particularly those living on a fixed income.”

People with questions on the program can call the tribe’s Compliance Department at (518) 358-2272 or stop by their office in the Community Building, 412 State Route 37.