Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Oversight topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lawmakers press CUC oversight after constituent hookup delays; senator proposes deregulation
Summary
Legislators expressed frustration with Commonwealth Utilities Corporation operations after a constituent reported months-long delays for a utility hookup. Senators discussed deregulation and opening the utility market and urged CUC to expedite renewable-energy RFPs for Rota and Tinian.
Multiple legislators used a joint committee session to raise oversight concerns about the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) after a constituent complaint and agency testimony highlighted unresolved operational issues.
Representative Marissa Flores read a constituent letter describing almost two months of unanswered follow-up after full payment for a utility hookup. The representative told the committee the resident’s home was “95% complete” but that CUC had not completed the connection, leaving occupants at risk of moisture damage and mold. Flores said her office had obtained invoices and estimates showing inconsistent breakdowns and that the constituent had paid $6,385.64 while an earlier estimate had been substantially higher.
Senator Karina Magofna introduced a prefiled proposal to deregulate CUC and open utility services to competing providers, arguing a monopoly has hindered service quality and price competition. “Whenever we have a monopoly, you know, that entity…tends to have the only say on how things should be run,” she said, and asked colleagues to consider hearings on deregulation and possible public–private partnerships.
Members also urged oversight on renewable-energy procurement. Senator Jude Hofschneider said he sent a letter seeking status on RFPs for renewable projects in Rota and Tinian and urged CUC to move forward quickly with procurement to reduce consumer costs. Senator Manny Castro and others recommended exploring wells and alternative water sources for farmers as an alternative to relying solely on CUC systems.
Several members urged an oversight hearing and asked the committee staff to request documentation on CUC project timelines, billing breakdowns, customer-connection wait times and RFP activity. No disciplinary action was taken in the session; lawmakers scheduled follow-up requests of CUC and indicated willingness to pursue structural and statutory changes depending on the findings.
Ending
The joint committee requested CUC provide documentation on the constituent case and broader service metrics and flagged proposed legislation to deregulate or reform CUC’s structure for future hearings.
