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House members press CUC and EOC for clearer updates on power restoration as retirees’ 25% payment remains pending
Summary
Lawmakers urged the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation and the Emergency Operations Center to publish inventories, maps and timelines for post‑typhoon power restoration; several members also pressed senators to act on a pending measure to restore a 25% retirees supplement.
Members spent substantial time during the special session pressing for clearer public information about post‑typhoon power restoration and urging action on a pending retirees’ supplement.
Representative DJ Atoll told the chamber that constituents are still without power in some villages and asked CUC management and the EOC to "notify our public of what's the status" so members can assist constituents. He asked agencies to explain progress and distribution plans for transformers, poles and other materials arriving from partners.
Representative Marissa Flores and others asked for an itemized accounting of inventory received and deployed — how many transformers, poles and spools of wire landed on island and where they were used — and suggested publishing maps or hot‑spot summaries so the public can see deployment plans. Senator Corina Magofna said she has received constituent complaints about adjusted CUC bills with no explanation and asked CUC to include justifications with any bill adjustments, especially for solar customers who previously received credits.
Representative Vincent O'Don warned that lack of financial transparency at CUC could create a cascading problem: if rates rise and customers shift to private renewables, revenue shortfalls could force further rate increases for remaining customers. He called the contracted financial statement audit "not a full audit" and urged a comprehensive financial audit so the public can "see every penny." Representative O'Don described that concern as a potential "doomsday scenario" if CUC does not open records.
Several members also raised the retirees’ 25% issue. Representatives said the bicameral committee had inserted a 25% supplement for retirees during budget negotiations but that a standalone bill to make retirees whole remains in the Senate. Members urged senators to act, noting fiscal analysts have identified possible funding and that the secretary of finance has been asked to clarify availability. Chairman Sablan reiterated that the governor’s original budget did not include the 25% and said bicameral work produced the current approach; senators and fiscal staff said meetings are scheduled to verify funds.
No formal motions to require CUC audits or to compel the release of specific inventories appeared on the House floor during this session; members used the special session to press for information and urge colleagues in the Senate to move the retirees’ legislation. The House set another session for June 24 to continue business.
