Effective May 15, the FAC will increase from 24.5 cents to 44.489 cents per kilowatt‑hour, a jump driven by April’s global ultra‑low sulfur diesel prices, which doubled in a single month. The FAC covers fuel and fuel‑related purchases and appears on every customer’s monthly bill. The base rate has not increased since 2014.
Residents posting on social media described the hike as “poorly timed,” and “another hit to families already struggling after the typhoon.” Others questioned why the fuel adjustment was frozen for a year despite rising fuel costs, and criticized the lack of public engagement before the vote. Confusion also spread over whether entire bills would double, prompting CUC to clarify that only the FAC portion is increasing.
Public Utilities Commission Chairman Jack Angello said commissioners approved the increase after reviewing fuel price data, CUC’s financials, and consultant recommendations. He noted that the FAC had been frozen since March 2025 despite petroleum price spikes tied to conflict in the Middle East.
“The May 15 rise in the FAC rate was overdue,” Angello said, adding that public notices were issued but no comments were received until after the vote.
The increase follows two earlier adjustments this spring:
- March 16: FAC rose from 19.706 cents to 22.075 cents
- April 1: Increased to 24.500 cents
- May 15: Jump to 44.489 cents
