By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Department of Public Works is seeking clarification on how the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. intends to bill the government for street lights that were knocked down or heavily damaged by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul, in a letter to CUC Executive Director Kevin O. Watson, said that before the super typhoon struck the islands, CUC had been conducting its annual street light inventory to verify fixture counts, fixture types and the operational status of street lights for billing purposes.
But after the super typhoon on April 14, 2026, many street lights were damaged or knocked down. Yumul said DPW wants clarification on how CUC plans to bill the department for street lights during the storm recovery period.
Yumul also recommended that once power is fully restored and recovery efforts are completed, CUC conduct a joint verification and updated count of operational street lights to ensure accurate billing moving forward.
In an interview Monday, CUC Chief Financial Officer Betty C. Terlaje said the utility always makes billing adjustments once damage assessments are completed. She assured DPW that CUC will not bill the department for downed street lights.
Terlaje said CUC knows how many street lights are installed in specific areas and will be able to determine how many were knocked down by the super typhoon. She also noted that DPW representatives regularly participate whenever CUC conducts street light inventories.
“We are cognizant of the situation and will be making adjustments if necessary,” she said.
However, Terlaje emphasized that CUC’s immediate focus remains restoring power to the community.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
