the impact of CUC’s high power rate on customers who consume 1,000 kilowatt-hour of electricity, or less.
In an interview in his office, Muna said a certain number of CUC customers may be able to avail of the fuel subsidy allotted to the agency.
According to the chairman of the House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications, Victor B. Hocog, Public Law 16-2 authorized the reprogramming of approximately $9 million of general and non-general funds to CUC to subsidize its fuel expenses.
Hocog, Ind.-Rota, stated in a letter to CUC that the utilities agency should use the subsidy to offer lower electrical rates to all its customers.
Muna said CUC will use the subsidy for customers who are “less capable” to pay for their monthly power consumption.
“Let’s give it to the people who need it the most,” he said.
Based on current CUC records, the agency has 6,855 residential customers who consume power within the 500 kilowatt-hour mark, while 3,088 customers use between 501kwh and 1,000kwh.
There are 1,347 customers who consume electricity between 1,001kwh and 2,000kwh, while there are only 288 customers who consume over 2,001kwh power.
“The customers that use 1,000kwh or less are really the ones who need help,” Muna said.
He said the Legislature should revisit P.L. 16-2 and make sure that the fuel subsidy goes to customers who needed it the most.
According to Senate President Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, CUC is not authorized to use fuel subsidy for its customers. He said the government has already provided $3.5 million to the agency as financial support.
Sen. Maria T. Pangelinan, D-Saipan, agrees with Reyes, saying “fuel subsidy is for CUC fuel expenses.”
Rep. Tina M. Sablan, Ind.-Saipan, wants to know whether the fuel funds that were made available by P.L. 16-2 for CUC were factored in its new power rate.
She also asked whether it is legal and fair for CUC to recover its fuel cost in light of the subsidy that has been provided for by the government.
