Do you think the surcharge is justified?

Do you think the surcharge is justified?

“A lot of their [CUC’s] revenues could be generated by changing the way they currently operate their facility. We have asked the CUC board on several points so that we can have an educated understanding. The Chamber believes that if they change the way they operate and improve their collection…they would have the revenue necessary to avoid a 3.5-cent increase.”
—Alex Sablan, president, Saipan Chamber of Commerce

“Yes I think it is because in order for CUC to provide electricity, they must buy fuel, and now, the fuel price is increasing. Also, with the amount that is owed CUC, then I think it is fair because if they don’t get enough money to buy fuel, then how are we going to expect them to buy enough fuel that will support the entire island.”
—Ping Guerrero, DFS

“No, because it’s not good for us, the people. We already have to pay for our gas, and our income is not enough for us to afford paying for electricity in our homes if they increase it.”
—A. Rahaman Kamal, taxi driver

“To be fair, if everything is rising, then you have to make up for that. So with the price for fuel increasing, CUC also has to make up for that. They can’t just provide fuel very easily. They have to buy it, and without enough funds, how are they going to buy it?”
—Jackie Echon, DFS

“I think it is justified because what’s going to happen if CUC does not increase its rate and the fuel prices keep going up? CUC won’t be able to afford paying for the fuel on its own. If they can’t pay for the fuel, how are we going to have electricity at our homes, school, offices, etc.? We need electricity to operate many businesses and even the government, so as much as we don’t like it, it’s something that has to be done to keep CUC afloat. But if there’s another way, then they should look into that.”
—Jonita Fejeran, student

“Our income is not good and we still have to provide for our family. So I don’t agree because it is not good for us. They should try to find another way.”
—Malek Miah, driver

“Maybe if it was before, I would agree with it, but now, I think they should work hard to try and find another way because my income depends on customers, and now we don’t get many customers. How am I going to afford to pay?”
—Elias Ali

“I don’t really like it because we’re all experiencing a hard time, and with this to be added [to our expenses], then it makes it harder; CUC, however, needs to adjust their price so that they will continue to be able to supply electricity, and if this is the only way, then we have to deal with it. It’s hard for us, but it’s also hard for CUC to keep providing [electricity] with not enough money to buy fuel.”
—Marvin Seman, student