CUC Cost Recovery Period Bill

At a glance

What: S.B. 24-64 would amend 4 CMC 8141(c) to extend from three to five years the time over which CUC must reach full cost recovery in its rates. S.B. 24-68 (a companion item on the October 26 agenda) would let the off-island member of the CUC board vote remotely (4 CMC 8132(c)).
Where it stands: Senator Hofschneider introduced S.B. 24-64 on August 14, 2026; it was listed for final reading on October 26 (2026-10-26 - CNMI Senate), outcome not recorded.
Next: House and Governor action if the Senate passed it.

CUC has not raised base rates in about 12 years because there was no functioning regulatory body. A petition is before the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to reach full cost recovery over five years, but CPUC staff pointed out that the statute requires three.
Speakers at the August 14 public comment, CUC's counsel and one ratepayer, supported the bill, saying a slower increase eases the shock on families after two typhoons. CUC's board had approved a three-year plan the day before to follow current law, to be given to the CPUC the following week.
Senator Hofschneider introduced the bill at CUC's request; no senator spoke against it.

S.B. 24-64 and S.B. 24-68 listed for final reading; outcome not recorded.

S.B. 24-64 formally introduced by Senator Hofschneider. Two speakers supported it in public comment.