CPA wants to reconcile over $2 million CUC bill

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is working with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. for a reconciliation of its utility billings totaling over $2 million.

During a previous CUC board meeting, it was reported that CPA has reached out to CUC seeking reconciliation of its billing of over $2 million which includes late fees and penalties.

Saipan Tribune has reached out to CPA who issued a statement over the weekend stating that because CPA doesn’t agree with the some of the fees imposed by CUC, they are seeking reconciliation which is underway.

“The amount reflects certain CUC imposed fees, penalties, and late charges that CPA does not necessarily agree with. This matter was discussed briefly (amongst other items) at a recent meeting between CPA and CUC and both agencies have started efforts to try and reconcile these differences of account,” said CPA.

In addition, CPA clarifies that its CUC bill is current.

“Regular monthly consumption billings are all current,” said CPA.

In related news, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. is also seeking a new memorandum of agreement with CUC regarding its outstanding utility bill.

CHCC’s previous MOU with CUC expired last May.

According to CUC executive director Kevin Watson, CHCC has submitted a letter requesting another MOU to address its outstanding arrears.

The board asked Watson to respond to the letter.

CHCC has yet to comment on the issue.

In 2023, CUC signed an MOU with CHCC in which CHCC agreed to pay $525,000 a month to address over $53 million in utility arrears.

In a previous interview with CUC official Betty Terlaje, she shared that CHCC’s MOU with CUC expired last May.

Terlaje, during the interview, said in order to address arrears reflective of utility usage increase, a new memorandum of understanding with CHCC needs to be executed.

Up until the MOU’s expiration, Terlaje said CHCC had been making good on their monthly payments pursuant to the MOU they’ve agreed to.

Unfortunately, Terlaje added, CHCC’s usage has gone up and the MOU only reflected CHCC’s average prior to the MOU.

Fortunately, Terlaje said CUC is determined to work with agencies like CHCC to resolve arrears as CUC is dependent on these payments.