Commonwealth Utilities Corporation

Saipan has surpassed the halfway point in energizing its primary power lines, but restoration is slowing as the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation confronts material shortages and widespread copper theft. CUC crews are now salvaging storm‑damaged conductors and transformers to stretch remaining supplies while waiting for new shipments.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is moving ahead with a sweeping solar generation project across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, according to CUC Executive Director Kevin Watson.

Despite a price freeze, CUC raised its Fuel Adjustment Charge this month — a move Chief Financial Officer Betty Terlaje says is legal and necessary as fuel costs outpace rates. The increase caused immediate public confusion and criticism, with some residents questioning how the adjustment was allowed under the governor’s executive order.

The Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission’s decision to nearly double the Fuel Adjustment Charge has sparked immediate public outrage, with many residents calling the timing insensitive as the community continues to recover from Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s widespread damage and prolonged power and water disruptions.

CUC files $75 million reimbursement request with FEMA; Watson says utility is fronting recovery costs without timeline for federal payment

Saipan water restoration is now at roughly 80%, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. utility coordinator Joel Hoepner said, crediting FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for keeping critical wells online as crews work to stabilize the islandwide system.

Extensive water damage at Saipan’s main power plants has left CUC uncertain about when it can restart critical engines, raising new questions about the island’s 90‑day restoration goal.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is asking the CPUC to lift the cap on its Fuel Adjustment Charge and allow the rate to rise to 44 cents per kilowatt-hour, saying fuel prices have doubled and the utility cannot absorb the increase. With monthly fuel costs expected to jump from $4.2 million to more than $8.2 million, officials warn CUC faces a $4 million shortfall and could run out of cash by June.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) supports legislation to eliminate its mandatory 1% public auditor fee.

CNMI lawmaker Marissa Flores is demanding an investigation into the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation’s (CUC) internal board policies and management benefits.