Why the FAC Increase Demands Accountability Before More Rate Pain
CUC has already increased the FAC from $0.22075/kWh to $0.24500/kWh, and it has publicly stated that the full calculated April 2026 FAC is $0.44489/kWh. That is not a small adjustment. It is a proposed increase of $0.19989/kWh, which equals an 81.59% increase over the current FAC.
Op-Ed: The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation does not have a credential problem. It has an execution problem.
For years, CUC has had leaders and board members with titles, degrees, and polished resumes. Yet history speaks for itself: chronic operational failures, aging infrastructure, lack of true business discipline, weak accountability, and a utility system that continues to burden the people with high costs and unreliable service. If the current model of selecting leadership based heavily on academic pedigree was the answer, CUC would not still be struggling.
Op-Ed: Complacency Is Not Neutral — It Is Complicity
In our islands, we often speak of respect, unity, and community. We are taught not to disrupt harmony, to be patient, and to trust in leadership. These values are not weaknesses. They are part of our cultural strength and identity. But there is a point where respect turns into silence, and where silence becomes complacency. That line, when crossed, carries consequences not just for individuals, but for entire communities.
IT&E Launches ‘The Loop,’ Offering $0.50 Off Per Gallon at Shell and Free Data Roaming for $150-a-Month Customers
SAIPAN — IT&E has launched a new loyalty program called The Loop, offering customers who spend $150 or more per month a package of benefits including 50 cents off per gallon of fuel at Shell stations, free international data roaming and a free service of their choice, CEO David Gibson announced Wednesday on Good Morning Marianas.
Meth, Tobacco Among Contraband Intercepted at DOC Kagman Outreach Facility; Person of Interest Identified
SAIPAN — Staff at the Department of Corrections Community Outreach Program facility in Kagman intercepted contraband intended for an outreach participant early Wednesday morning, including methamphetamine, tobacco and unauthorized food items, the department announced.
CNMI Waste Management Taskforce to Conduct On-Site Training at Landfills on Saipan, Tinian and Rota
SAIPAN — The CNMI Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Taskforce will conduct on-site Waste Assessment Trainings at landfill facilities on all three main islands this spring, with community members and commercial haulers advised to use caution during the scheduled training dates.
CNMI Kicks Off Environmental Awareness Month With Cleanups, Earth Day Walk, Expo and More
SAIPAN — The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality’s Division of Environmental Quality has launched Environmental Awareness Month for April, with a full schedule of events planned across Saipan, Tinian and Rota under the theme “Tåno yan Lina’la Inafa’måolek / Falúw Me Malaw Llól Eew Pilúúgh / Land and Life in Harmony.”
Fisherman Found Unresponsive on Rota Reef Dies Despite Rescue Efforts
ROTA — A 51-year-old fisherman found unresponsive on a reef south of Poña Point Pavilion died Monday afternoon despite CPR efforts during his rescue and transport to shore, the Department of Public Safety said.
Shear Line Brings Strong Gusts to Northern CNMI; Dry Trade Wind Pattern Expected Through Weekend
SAIPAN — A shear line sitting just north of Saipan is producing strong, gusty winds across the northern CNMI, with occasional strong gusts expected over Tinian and Saipan as the shear line fragments and weakens over the next couple of days, the National Weather Service in Guam said Tuesday.
Op-Ed: Public accountability requires a clear explanation of how this case unraveled
Public accountability requires a clear explanation of how this case unraveled
