House Floor Leader Marissa Flores has asked the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to look into CUC's internal board policies and management benefits.
During a public comment period at a recent commission meeting, Flores said the policies negatively impact public utility services and drive up costs for consumers.
CUC Executive Director Kevin Watson has not responded to questions about whether the policies described by Flores are actually in place.
"It has been brought to my attention that now we are paying for CUC gas allowances to members of the management team,” Flores said. “That, sir, is unfair and unjust."
The Precinct 3 representative asked CPUC to investigate possible gas allowances, questioning whether they are being paid by the Fuel Adjustment Charge, or FAC, that affects ratepayers' bills. She said the benefits would be inappropriate, especially when many residents are struggling to pay their utility costs.
Flores also voiced concerns regarding what she said was a CUC policy that would prevent ratepayers from disputing their utility billing charges, especially those related to the FAC.
The lawmaker urged the CPUC to investigate, arguing they are detrimental to the public interest and prevent customers from challenging potentially unfair billing practices.
