The Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission will now conduct the hearing — originally scheduled for March 18 — on April 11 at 10 a.m.
The venue is still the Saipan Chamber of Commerce conference room at the Family Building in Garapan.
CPUC has yet to reply to Variety’s question regarding the reason for the postponement of the public hearing.
The hearing will receive evidence, arguments, discussions and public comments regarding regulatory matters.
On Jan. 13, CPUC approved the increase in power rate, resulting in an additional $18.40 month charge for residential ratepayers using 500 kwh.
CUC then filed supplemental petitions for an additional increase of its electric base rate.
On Nov. 10, 2010, CUC filed a petition with the commission to raise its electric base rate.
Under this proposed rate adjustment, the average residential ratepayer’s monthly electric bill for 500 kwh will increase by $5.96.
Customers who use approximately 250 kwh will pay an additional $4.21.
Higher volume residential and commercial users will experience greater increases, CUC said.
CUC Executive Director Abe Utu Malae said the law requires the utilities corporation to establish rates that will enable it to recover its costs of producing, operating, and maintaining electric, water and sewer services to its customers.
CUC, he added, needs funding to comply with federal and local environmental laws and perform projects mandated by the stipulated orders filed in federal court.
If approved, the increase in electric base rate will become effective on May 11, 2011.
“CUC’s rate increase request is primarily due to reasons that are beyond CUC’s control,” CUC said.
CUC, it added, is currently operating at a substantial deficit, cannot borrow money, and relies entirely on the revenues from its customers and federal grants.
CUC said the rate increases will allow it to maintain financial health.
CUC is required by statute and the stipulated orders to achieve “full cost recovery,” CUC added.
