Load Shedding Warning: Surging Fuel Costs Push CNMI Power Utility Toward June Collapse

The Northern Mariana Islands face a potential power collapse. Surging fuel costs of $140k daily threaten load shedding by June without an urgent rate hike.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 8:25 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Financial Freefall

The financial math for the government-owned utility has become unsustainable over the last month.

The $140k Daily Deficit: Board Chair Allen Perez confirmed that the increase in fuel pricing alone is costing the corporation an extra $140,000 every single day.

Doubled Expenses: Monthly fuel bills have surged from US$4.2 million to over US$8 million— a jump of roughly 105%.

Depleted Reserves: While the CUC holds $12 million in cash, these funds are already committed to existing obligations. Chief Financial Officer Betty Terlaje warned that if fuel remains the priority, the utility will be insolvent within two months.

The Proposed Rate Hike