Saipan Tribune Letters to the Editor By Agnes E. DonatoReporter
Friday, October 12, 2007
CUC water meter installation
As a concerned citizen I am writing this letter to simply ask the following questions that I personally believe would affect CUC water customers in general.On Oct. 8, 2007, the existing four water meters installed within our property was relocated and replaced with new ones outside our property line.The four relocated water meters were previously equipped with ¾ PVC ball valves but, to my surprise, these same ball valves were not reinstalled. The contractor explained that it is not part of their construction contract with the CUC Water Task Force.The technical and logical questions are:1. Why was no ball valve or gate valve installed after each water meter?2. How can the water customers repair their water pipe lines or plumbing fixtures if such valves are not provided?3. Will water customers need to call CUC water division if repairs are needed? If so, how soon will the water crew arrive at the customer's place? If the repair work takes one hour, one day or so, will CUC come and wait until the repairs are done? Who will be responsible for the lost or wasted water while waiting for the CUC crew(s)? There is a new 1 ½ PVC ball valve controlling the four new water meters installed at my place. I was told to close it to conduct repairs, resulting in the stoppage of water supply to the three other water meters. Is that logical?4. Is it not part of the contract with CUC/Water Task Force to have those ball valves/gate valves installed? (At least those with existing ball valves/gate valves prior to installation of new water meters.)5. If it is not part of the contract, then it may be part of the restoration clause of existing improvements damaged by construction operations (the installation of new water meters)?Please assist me to clarify this matter. Thank you very much.Manny T. VilagaIsa Road, Capital Hill
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
House bill offers fuel subsidy for CUC
By Gemma Q. CasasVariety News Staff
A MEASURE was introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday to appropriate $6 million for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. as a subsidy for its fuel expenses.The House referred the bill to the committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communication. Rep. Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, introduced H.B. 15-318 during the session. The bill seeks to create a “CUC Fuel Subsidy Account” outside the general fund in the amount of $6 million.Half of this amount will be taken from poker fee collections on the three main islands of the Northern Marianas. The other half is to come from the poker fees collected and deposited into the general fund.“The $6 million appropriation to the CUC Fuel Subsidy Account should cover the shortfall of CUC’s monthly fuel expenses for fiscal year 2008,” said Deleon Guerrero in his bill.The fuel subsidy for CUC is designed to help cushion the impact of reduced revenues following the Legislature’s decision to override Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s veto on House Bill 15-246, which fixes at 17.6 cents per kilowatt hour the cost of electricity sold to residential customers for the first 1,000 kwh of energy they consume.CUC was charging residents and other customers up to 35.5 cents per kwh, depending on usage before the override was done.H.B. 15-246, now Public Law 15-94, is projected to result in losses of more than $8 million in revenue for CUC — money that it needs to buy fuel for the power plants.CUC said the new law will force it to implement rotating blackouts or load shedding – or power rationing every two hours.“In order to afford CNMI residents some relief from the exorbitant (power) rates, the Legislature enacted Public Law 15-94, which reduced the electric fuel rate to $0.176 cents per kilowatt hour,” H.B. 15-318 stated.“However, CUC has reported that the rate reduction would cause a shortage of funds to cover the cost of CUC’s monthly fuel expenses and rolling blackouts may be necessaryto save money on fuel,” it added.
A MEASURE was introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday to appropriate $6 million for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. as a subsidy for its fuel expenses.The House referred the bill to the committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communication. Rep. Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, introduced H.B. 15-318 during the session. The bill seeks to create a “CUC Fuel Subsidy Account” outside the general fund in the amount of $6 million.Half of this amount will be taken from poker fee collections on the three main islands of the Northern Marianas. The other half is to come from the poker fees collected and deposited into the general fund.“The $6 million appropriation to the CUC Fuel Subsidy Account should cover the shortfall of CUC’s monthly fuel expenses for fiscal year 2008,” said Deleon Guerrero in his bill.The fuel subsidy for CUC is designed to help cushion the impact of reduced revenues following the Legislature’s decision to override Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s veto on House Bill 15-246, which fixes at 17.6 cents per kilowatt hour the cost of electricity sold to residential customers for the first 1,000 kwh of energy they consume.CUC was charging residents and other customers up to 35.5 cents per kwh, depending on usage before the override was done.H.B. 15-246, now Public Law 15-94, is projected to result in losses of more than $8 million in revenue for CUC — money that it needs to buy fuel for the power plants.CUC said the new law will force it to implement rotating blackouts or load shedding – or power rationing every two hours.“In order to afford CNMI residents some relief from the exorbitant (power) rates, the Legislature enacted Public Law 15-94, which reduced the electric fuel rate to $0.176 cents per kilowatt hour,” H.B. 15-318 stated.“However, CUC has reported that the rate reduction would cause a shortage of funds to cover the cost of CUC’s monthly fuel expenses and rolling blackouts may be necessaryto save money on fuel,” it added.
Taotao Tano says it’s CUC, gov’t turn to carry burden
By Emmanuel T. EredianoVariety News Staff
FINDING the funds to cover the shortfall of the Commonwealth Utility Corp. is the problem of CUC and the government and not consumers, according to Taotao Tano leader Greg Cruz Jr. (See story on page 4)Cruz at the same time criticized CUC Executive Director Anthony Guerrero for not proposing a solution to the problem and for complaining about the enactment of the P.L. 15-94 which lowers electricity rates for residential consumers to 17.6 per kilowatt hour.The measure was vetoed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial but the Legislature voted for an override.In his letter to Guerrero, Cruz said the consumers have suffered enough.He said paying exorbitant bills for a number of years and getting disconnected when they fail to pay, it is the consumers who have actually been “subsidizing your utilities agency” and were paying for its operational revenue losses for the past years. “We live on a small island and what goes around comes around to haunt you, especially when the problems were created and intentionally,” Cruz said.He said because of a “conspiracy” between CUC and the government, the consumers were made to pay for the agency’s revenue losses.Cruz said CUC should “stop its scare tactics” and its claim that it will have more serious problems in the future due to the shortfall. He told Guerrero to lead CUC employees in holding a protest outside the Legislature.“Maybe the lawmakers) may come up with the shortfall,” Cruz said. It was Cruz and his group who lobbied for the passage of the power rate reduction bill.
FINDING the funds to cover the shortfall of the Commonwealth Utility Corp. is the problem of CUC and the government and not consumers, according to Taotao Tano leader Greg Cruz Jr. (See story on page 4)Cruz at the same time criticized CUC Executive Director Anthony Guerrero for not proposing a solution to the problem and for complaining about the enactment of the P.L. 15-94 which lowers electricity rates for residential consumers to 17.6 per kilowatt hour.The measure was vetoed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial but the Legislature voted for an override.In his letter to Guerrero, Cruz said the consumers have suffered enough.He said paying exorbitant bills for a number of years and getting disconnected when they fail to pay, it is the consumers who have actually been “subsidizing your utilities agency” and were paying for its operational revenue losses for the past years. “We live on a small island and what goes around comes around to haunt you, especially when the problems were created and intentionally,” Cruz said.He said because of a “conspiracy” between CUC and the government, the consumers were made to pay for the agency’s revenue losses.Cruz said CUC should “stop its scare tactics” and its claim that it will have more serious problems in the future due to the shortfall. He told Guerrero to lead CUC employees in holding a protest outside the Legislature.“Maybe the lawmakers) may come up with the shortfall,” Cruz said. It was Cruz and his group who lobbied for the passage of the power rate reduction bill.
INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!
TAOTAO TANO SAY'S HOW MUCH PROOF DO YOU NEED? DPL IS JUST BUYING TIME TO GET RID OF ALL INVOLVED? DPL? THE LETTER "P" STANDS FOR PUBLIC AND WE THE PUBLIC SAID NO!TO TRIPLE STAR RECYLING REQUEST FOR PUBLIC LAND LEASE. WE DON'T NEED THIS COMPANIES INVESTMENT.SHUT THEM DOWN!
Monday October 22, 2007 Local Monday, October 22, 2007
Recycling center on Tinian raided By Ferdie de la Torre Reporter Authorities raided on Thursday the Tinian branch of the controversial Saipan Triple Star Recycling, Saipan Tribune learned. Sources said officers from Tinian Department of Public Safety, Attorney General's Investigative Unit, and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. searched the recycling center pursuant to a search warrant. Copper wires and some water meters were allegedly confiscated during the raid. Authorities, however, have yet to confirm the information regarding the evidence. Saipan Tribune asked DPS spokesperson Lei Ogumoro about the operation, she refused to comment. On Friday afternoon, Immigration officers brought Mr. Qing Bin Zheng, an alleged overstaying Chinese national, to the Superior Court for a bail hearing. According to a report prepared by Immigration inspector Jay Jess San Nicolas on Friday, personnel from Tinian Immigration and AGIU from Saipan apprehended Zheng at the Saipan Triple Star Recycling on Tinian. San Nicolas said Zheng's last work permit expired on Jan. 18, 2006. “The respondent has been illegal over one year and nine months,” said San Nicolas in his report. Court documents also indicated that aside from Zheng there were also other persons arrested. Associate Judge David A. Wiseman imposed a $500 cash bail and $500 unsecured bond for the temporary release of Zheng. Wiseman said Zheng shall have not direct or indirect contact with “co-defendants and alleged victims.” The judge ordered the respondent to appear in court on Nov. 8 to explain why he should not be deported from the CNMI. During a House session last Tuesday, Rep. Ray N. Yumul reported that the Division of Customs is investigating Saipan Triple Star Recycling over its shipment of two containers of scrap metal. Customs imposed a hold on all scrap metal shipments on Sept. 4, 2007 due to a reported series of copper wire thefts in the CNMI. In spite of the order, the recycling center allegedly managed to ship two containers out of the CNMI, while the third container was intercepted. The inspected container reportedly contained questionable copper wires, including a spool of unused wire and possible copper wires such as that used by CUC.
Monday October 22, 2007 Local Monday, October 22, 2007
Recycling center on Tinian raided By Ferdie de la Torre Reporter Authorities raided on Thursday the Tinian branch of the controversial Saipan Triple Star Recycling, Saipan Tribune learned. Sources said officers from Tinian Department of Public Safety, Attorney General's Investigative Unit, and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. searched the recycling center pursuant to a search warrant. Copper wires and some water meters were allegedly confiscated during the raid. Authorities, however, have yet to confirm the information regarding the evidence. Saipan Tribune asked DPS spokesperson Lei Ogumoro about the operation, she refused to comment. On Friday afternoon, Immigration officers brought Mr. Qing Bin Zheng, an alleged overstaying Chinese national, to the Superior Court for a bail hearing. According to a report prepared by Immigration inspector Jay Jess San Nicolas on Friday, personnel from Tinian Immigration and AGIU from Saipan apprehended Zheng at the Saipan Triple Star Recycling on Tinian. San Nicolas said Zheng's last work permit expired on Jan. 18, 2006. “The respondent has been illegal over one year and nine months,” said San Nicolas in his report. Court documents also indicated that aside from Zheng there were also other persons arrested. Associate Judge David A. Wiseman imposed a $500 cash bail and $500 unsecured bond for the temporary release of Zheng. Wiseman said Zheng shall have not direct or indirect contact with “co-defendants and alleged victims.” The judge ordered the respondent to appear in court on Nov. 8 to explain why he should not be deported from the CNMI. During a House session last Tuesday, Rep. Ray N. Yumul reported that the Division of Customs is investigating Saipan Triple Star Recycling over its shipment of two containers of scrap metal. Customs imposed a hold on all scrap metal shipments on Sept. 4, 2007 due to a reported series of copper wire thefts in the CNMI. In spite of the order, the recycling center allegedly managed to ship two containers out of the CNMI, while the third container was intercepted. The inspected container reportedly contained questionable copper wires, including a spool of unused wire and possible copper wires such as that used by CUC.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Taotao Tano to CUC: Stop whining about shortfall
Local
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 By Marconi CalindasReporter
The Taotao Tano CNMI Association Inc. told the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to stop complaining and instead find ways to address the revenue shortfall it will incur due to the recent passage of a bill lowering the power rates for residential customers.In a recent letter to CUC executive director Anthony Guerrero, Taotao Tano president Greg Cruz said that CUC should stop its “scare tactics” and find solutions to the problem.“Mr. Guerrero please understand that the people have suffered enough and it is clear and evident that we the consumers have been subsidizing your utility agency, including paying for your operational revenue losses for the past years,” said Cruz.He said the years of “cover-ups” between CUC and the government, including past mismanagements and the fact that consumers have been paying for CUC's operational revenue losses, is unjust. Cruz stressed that consumers expect their utility billings next month to reflect the changes made under House Bill 15-246, which rolled back the monthly customer charge from $7.67 to $3.50. The measure was initially vetoed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial due to the loss of revenue that CUC will incur. However, the Legislature voted to override the veto on Oct. 11, enabling its passage into law. Cruz said the anticipated shortfall in CUC's revenue should be dealt with between the local government and the power corporation. He listed some recommendations on what the utility agency could do, including cutting costs internally, asking the Commonwealth Development Authority to write-off its debt, and asking Department of the Interior deputy assistant secretary David Cohen for technical assistance in the form of grants.He said CUC should also take back all the nonresident mechanics and engineers, provided that CUC employees will get trained. Also, the “PIO should concentrate more on solutions, not complain daily in the media as to where is CUC going to get the shortfall. That is why she gets a high salary. Put her to work rather than complain in the media, making every consumer's life miserable,” said Cruz.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 By Marconi CalindasReporter
The Taotao Tano CNMI Association Inc. told the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to stop complaining and instead find ways to address the revenue shortfall it will incur due to the recent passage of a bill lowering the power rates for residential customers.In a recent letter to CUC executive director Anthony Guerrero, Taotao Tano president Greg Cruz said that CUC should stop its “scare tactics” and find solutions to the problem.“Mr. Guerrero please understand that the people have suffered enough and it is clear and evident that we the consumers have been subsidizing your utility agency, including paying for your operational revenue losses for the past years,” said Cruz.He said the years of “cover-ups” between CUC and the government, including past mismanagements and the fact that consumers have been paying for CUC's operational revenue losses, is unjust. Cruz stressed that consumers expect their utility billings next month to reflect the changes made under House Bill 15-246, which rolled back the monthly customer charge from $7.67 to $3.50. The measure was initially vetoed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial due to the loss of revenue that CUC will incur. However, the Legislature voted to override the veto on Oct. 11, enabling its passage into law. Cruz said the anticipated shortfall in CUC's revenue should be dealt with between the local government and the power corporation. He listed some recommendations on what the utility agency could do, including cutting costs internally, asking the Commonwealth Development Authority to write-off its debt, and asking Department of the Interior deputy assistant secretary David Cohen for technical assistance in the form of grants.He said CUC should also take back all the nonresident mechanics and engineers, provided that CUC employees will get trained. Also, the “PIO should concentrate more on solutions, not complain daily in the media as to where is CUC going to get the shortfall. That is why she gets a high salary. Put her to work rather than complain in the media, making every consumer's life miserable,” said Cruz.
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