The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is seeking the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission’s approval for a three‑year overhaul of electric, water, and wastewater rates, along with a temporary Typhoon Restoration Surcharge, with public hearings set for Oct. 19–21 on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
CUC proposes rate increases beginning Dec. 1, with additional adjustments on Dec. 1, 2027 and 2028. The utility says rising costs, inflation, storm damage, and the absence of any base‑rate increase since 2014 have left current revenues far below the cost of service.
Under the plan, residential electric customer charges would rise from $7 to $8.75 in the first year, $14 in the second year, and $15.68 in the third year.
The first 350 kWh block would increase from 2.1 cents per kWh to 2.63 cents, 4.20 cents, and 4.70 cents over the three years. Commercial, government, streetlight, and municipal pumping rates would also increase across all usage blocks. The Fuel Adjustment Charge will remain unchanged and will continue to be set separately.
Water and wastewater customers would see higher monthly minimums and consumption charges, with the Water Electric Charge and the unimplemented Wastewater Electric Charge eliminated. Government, CUC, and Commonwealth Ports Authority water and wastewater rates would be reduced each year until they align with commercial first‑block rates by the third year.
CUC is also requesting authority to impose a Typhoon Restoration Surcharge to collect up to $20 million over 12 months to support recovery from Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. The placeholder surcharge would add $0.0625 per kWh for electric customers, $1.78 per 1,000 gallons for water, and $2.71 per 1,000 gallons for wastewater.
CPUC will consider public comments and the full rate‑case record before deciding whether to approve, modify, or deny the proposal.
