RECENTLY, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation gave the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation 14 days to pay a total of $53.6 million in CUC bills, an amount that CHCC and the CNMI government are having a hard time paying in full.
CHCC said it was able to pay $219,000 last week, but it still faces a possibility of disconnection if it fails to settle the amount due in full by May 4, 2023.
CHCC said it continues to request CUC to place CHCC in the “right billing category” as other healthcare providers who are availing themselves of the commercial rate.
“We believe the current category, and the associated penalties, and fees, are unfair and unreasonable, and we believe it is important to ensure that the charges accurately reflect the services we received,” CHCC said.
CHCC added that it is “committed to responsibly settling its dues, but we also seek transparent and equitable customer classification and rate making.”
Meanwhile, to ensure continuous hospital operations, CHCC said it needs two power sources, including a backup.
“We are working with vendors to ensure the two power sources are there,” CHCC added.
