Committee tables Fair Billing Practices Act after hours of testimony from Commonwealth Utilities Corporation

The House standing committee on Taxonomy tabled House Bill 24-59, the Fair Billing Practices Act, after extended public comment and testimony from Commonwealth Utilities Corporation officials and several representatives on concerns ranging from meter accuracy to customer service. The motion to table passed by voice vote and the bill was set for further notice.

The bill’s sponsor described the measure as intended to “establish clear and fair standards for back billing practices in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to protect consumers while allowing service providers to recover unpaid amounts lawfully due.” The committee opened the floor to public comment and took testimony from CUC’s executive director and legal counsel before deciding to table the legislation.

CUC legal counsel Michael Ernest told the committee CUC supports consumer-protection laws in principle but asked the legislature either to exempt CUC or provide time to comply if the bill includes the utility. “At the very least, the corporation would ask that the bill not become immediately effective,” Ernest said, noting that compliance will require buying and installing new meters for “thousands and thousands of customers.” Ernest said the director requested six months to comply but suggested the…