By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE Saipan Mayor’s Office says residents who are unable to pay their power bills can apply for utility assistance for which the island received increased funding from a coalition of charitable organizations.
From $30,000 in the past, the funding assistance was increased to $75,000 this year by the United Way of America which aims “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community.”
The mayor’s request for more funding was granted in light of the high power rates paid by island residents.
Mayor Juan B. Tudela said the utility assistance program helps qualified residents pay their monthly power bills.
Due to the increased funding they can now accommodate more qualified applicants, he said.
To qualify, an applicant must not be a recipient of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Low Income Energy Assistance Program or the MIHA Section 8 Program.
The mayor said his office’s federally funded program is “available to residents of Saipan who are unable to pay their CUC power bills.”
Applications can be picked up at the mayor’s office at Afetna Square in San Antonio during regular working days.
For more information call 235-7304 or 235-7444 and ask for Carmen Maratita or Florence Camacho-Stephen.