Tenorio: CUC will work with CPUC for fair and stable utility rates, services

Janice A. Tenorio

Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board chair Janice A. Tenorio assured yesterday that the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission’s oversight role over public utilities is vital and essential to CUC’s commitment to give the consuming public reliable power, water, and wastewater services.

At the same time, Tenorio said, CPUC’s role ensures that CUC is able to provide equitable rates reflecting the cost of services.

On behalf of the CUC board, she expressed appreciation to Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang for the appointment of James S. Sirok to serve on the CPUC.

With the confirmation of the appointments of Sirok and Dr. John “Jack” Angello to the CPUC, the CUC board is finally able to resume working alongside CPUC, affording the public with both equitable utility rates and services they can rely on.

“In the same token, I would like to congratulate Sirok for his appointment,” said Tenorio, adding that the lawyer’s vast knowledge as former CUC lawyer brings additional perspective to how CPUC and CUC can better serve the public.

The CUC board’s unique composition will also bring insightful and broad range of solutions and ideas to CPUC, Tenorio said, assisting and complementing the commission’s regulatory oversight work. Tenorio said the CUC board members have decades of combined experience in senior utility management level, ports management, construction and security, economic development, telecommunication, and personnel and board governance.

With the CPUC now complete, the chair said, the CUC board and “its hardworking management team” is also able to work with the CNMI Legislature in advancing legislation supporting utility services and supporting the utility needs of the Commonwealth and the public.

Tenorio also stated in an interview with Saipan Tribune yesterday that CUC has a good team of board members and that the corporation is fortunate to have this each and every one who has expertise that will allow them to execute these actions that are lined up.

She said there are procurement and hiring procedures that they are following, as well as stipulated court orders with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“We just don’t hire from nowhere. There’s a process, there’s a background check that needs to go through in regards to hiring individuals, whether be on island or off-island,” the chair said.