AS residents of the CNMI, we know the “cost of living here” often shows up most painfully in our utility bills. Today, two major issues are converging:
1) CUC’s emergency request to nearly double the Fuel Adjustment Charge or FAC, and
2) the push toward long‑term, 25‑year solar energy contracts.
From a consumer’s perspective, this is the moment for a calm but firm conversation. We are not just account numbers. We are the people who pay the bills, keep the system running, and feel the impact of every decision.
CUC is facing a serious “shortfall” because global oil prices have surged. They are asking to raise the fuel charge cap from 24.5 cents per kWh to 44.5 cents.
In simple terms:
The fuel that powers our generators has doubled in price.
If CUC cannot pay for fuel, the generators stop — and the island goes dark.
Most consumers understand that CUC cannot control global oil markets. But we do deserve clarity on the numbers:
– Are we paying only for future fuel, or also for “past debt” accumulated while the cap was in place?
– Are our aging generators burning more fuel than necessary? If the “engine” is inefficient, the public shouldn’t be asked to endlessly buy more fuel without a plan to fix the equipment.
Solar energy is an important part of our future. But a 25‑year commitment is a major decision for a small island community.
Consumers need to understand:
– The Solar Price Floor. Solar companies must recover construction and financing costs. When combined with the cost of maintaining backup diesel generators, the total price could still exceed 40 cents per kWh.
– Technology Changes. Energy technology evolves quickly. If batteries or other innovations become cheaper in 10–15 years, will we be locked into outdated pricing until 2051?
A long-term contract should not become a long-term burden.
CUC often separates the “base rate” from the “fuel charge,” but families don’t think in categories. They think in totals.
If the fuel charge rises to 44.5 cents and the base rate is added on top, many households could see increases of $100 or more per month. For many families, that is not a minor adjustment — it is a financial crisis.
Consumers are not asking CUC to ignore rising oil prices or delay progress toward renewable energy.
We are asking for fairness and clarity:
– Public Forums. Real opportunities for residents to ask questions and receive straightforward answers.
– Independent Review. Third-party verification of fuel costs and long-term solar proposals.
– Transparent Modeling. Show the public what their total bill will look like under different scenarios — not just the fuel charge.
Decisions made today will shape the CNMI’s energy future for the next 25 or more years. Those decisions must be made openly, with the full participation of the community that will pay for them.
Thank you.
NOEL M. SORIA
Saipan resident
