THE Northern Marianas Housing Corporation is disputing the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s May 4 disconnection notice given to NMHC regarding past due utility bills totaling $547,769.60.
In a letter to CUC acting Executive Director Betty G. Terlaje dated May 17, NMHC Corporate Director Jesse Palacios stated: “After a number of calls between our fiscal division and your billing team, we have concluded that there are a number of account balances which need further attention.”
He said NMHC found the following:
• A number of utility accounts in arrears were related to tenant charges which should not have been billed to NMHC.
• One account is in the care of the governor’s office and is related to the Koblerville Youth Center. There should be a name change in process as NMHC is not responsible for this balance.
• Another account is in the care of the Saipan Mayor’s office. Again, there should be a name change in process as NMHC is not responsible for this balance.
• All other accounts will need a detailed breakdown of the charges so NMHC can further review them for payment.
Palacios also asked CUC to forward related invoices, detailed breakdown of charges, and supporting documentation to “expedite payment.”
“Due to the sensitivity of this issue, we are asking that any disconnections be held off until all documentation is provided to NMHC for proper payment. NMHC will need to review these charges and properly verify them on our end. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to continually resolving these issues to clear all balances,” Palacios said.
In his letter, he attached a list of NMHC’s CUC accounts, among them 12 NMHC housing subdivision units in Rota whose arrears totaled $309,922.28. NMHC said these accounts are “previous tenant charges,” and need an invoice and backup documentation from CUC.
The unpaid balance of each of these units ranged from $1,608.37 to as much as $108,425.18
CUC board chair Janice Tenorio said they are working closely with government agencies and departments in resolving the arrears.
CUC has sent 16 disconnection notices to government agencies and departments regarding past due utility bills totaling $59.76 million.
Jesse Palacios
