Commonwealth residents will get utility rate relief

In regional headlines, residents in the Northern Mariana Islands will receive temporary relief from soaring power rates. CNMI Gov. Ralph Torres said, "We are giving $300 voucher for August, September, and October as well towards their CUC billings."

More relief for people feeling the pain in their pockets with the peaking price of power. The governor made the announcement at a press briefing Monday morning. 

"Instead of putting lump-sum like we did in the past, we are doing it per month. So if you use more than $300 you pay the difference, if you charge less than $300 then obviously it carries on to the next month," he added.

That temporary relief can only go so far. Some residents posting their power bill on social media, showing the Fuel Adjustment Charge, formerly known as the LEAC, surpassing their actual usage by the hundreds.

As the government slowly replaces its engines for more efficient power, renewable energy still sits on the horizon. 

"We want to put as much as we can on solar and alternative energies, especially now now we see the high prices of fuel. but there are a lot of things. A lot of factors around the world. One: the availability of battery components. I mean, it is really a ripple effect from COVID. but nevertheless we continue to move forward in in making sure we give our community the best opportunity to get lower rates," he said.

Turning to those options he says, will eventually lead to lower rates.