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CUC urges exemption from 1% public auditor fee as Aldan introduces HB 24-53
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Summary
Kevin Watson, executive director of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, told the House that House Bill 24-53 would relieve ratepayers by exempting CUC from the mandatory 1% public auditor fee. Representative Vincent Aldan formally introduced the bill and it was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Kevin Watson, executive director of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, told the House that House Bill 24-53 would relieve utility ratepayers by exempting CUC from the mandatory 1% public auditor fee and replacing it with a cost-based audit recovery system.
The bill was formally introduced on the floor by Representative Vincent Aldan, who said the measure would amend 1 CMC §78-31 to exempt CUC from the current public auditor fee, forgive related arrears and establish mandatory reporting and penalties for noncompliance. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
"Exempting CUC from the OPA 1% fee will provide some relief to CUC rate payers," Watson said at the public podium. He told legislators the fee is built into utility rates and diverts funds needed for projects in water, wastewater and power systems. Watson said a cost-based recovery system would better align audit costs with services and preserve funds for restoring generation and other critical infrastructure.
Watson also expressed support for the bill's reporting and penalty provisions, calling them a reinforcement of timely and accurate financial disclosures. He closed by urging the Legislature to pass the measure.
The bill text cited 1 CMC §78-31 in the introduction on the House floor; the clerk announced referral to Transportation and Infrastructure for committee consideration. No vote on final passage occurred during the session; the measure remains in committee for further review.
