Electricity in several government offices may have to be shut off by next month if the Tenorio administration continues to ignore demand for payment of its mounting utility debt which at present amounts to over $12.2 million.

The commerce department is now in the process of collecting data on the importation of petroleum products into the Northern Marianas, which may intensify government efforts to minimize the effects of rising fuel prices on the local economy.

Hotel occupancy rate fell seven percent to 58.9 percent in the second quarter of 2000, dampening moods brought about by the apparent growth manifested by the Northern Marianas tourism industry in the first three months of the year.

The Legislative Bureau is currently preoccupied with last-minute preparations for the Sept. 18 3rd CNMI Youth Congress elections where close to 2,000 youths are expected to cast their votes.