REPRESENTATIVE Richard Lizama is asking Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to appoint members of the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission so pressing issues regarding utilities can be addressed.
The Precinct 5 Democrat likewise reminded the governor in a letter last week that the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s board of directors still has two vacant seats.
Additionally, Lizama said, the term of Aubry Hocog, who represents the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority on the CUC board will expire in September, so the lawmaker is also asking the governor to fill the seat as well.
Lizama, who chairs the House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications, noted that CPUC’s five seats are all vacant.
CPUC, he said, “monitors and regulates public utilities services and addresses critical issues such as fuel cost increases, and fuel adjustment charges to CUC customers.”
He also cited Public Law 15-40, which states: “A regulated entity may not charge or receive compensation for any regulated service or product other than through the rates, rents, fees and charges approved by the commission.”
Lizama said for the past five years, there has not been an annual report on these matters, which, he added, is required by law.
“For the benefit of our community, we respectfully and urgently request that you appoint qualified individuals to the PUC board,” Lizama said.
According to the law, CPUC members “shall be of good ethical standing in their field of expertise and demonstrate experience in business regulations, in a business regulated by the Commission, or in accounting, law, or engineering. The Governor shall seek to appoint members with managerial or engineering experience in one of the fields of power engineering, water treatment, wastewater management, telecommunications, cable television services, and accounting. At least one Commissioner shall reside on Tinian, one Commissioner shall reside on Rota, and at least three Commissioners shall reside on Saipan.”
Richard Lizama
