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CUC told to identify meters for termination at CHC
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has been ordered to identify areas of the Commonwealth Health Center whose meters could be terminated from utility services based on a determination that they are non-essential.
“Upon receipt of said areas and meters being identified by CUC, [the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.] shall review the alleged non-essential units and state their position regarding the same,” said Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman in a written order on Monday.
The judge also ordered CUC and CHCC to make an effort to communicate with one another for any possible resolution to their legal dispute.
Wiseman also ordered CHCC to make timely payments of CUC monthly billings, exclusive of any interest or penalties.
Pending the court’s review of the briefs and the court’s decision on the preliminary injunction, the temporary restraining order issued on May 21, 2014, shall remain in effect, Wiseman said.
The TRO prohibits CUC from disconnecting electric, water, and sewer utility services to the Commonwealth Health Center.
Wiseman heard CUC’s motion for preliminary injunction Thursday last week. At the hearing, CHCC chief executive officer Esther Muña and CUC board chair David J. Sablan took the witness stand.
After hearing the testimony of witnesses and in lieu of oral arguments, Wiseman ordered the parties to submit findings of facts and conclusions of law.
Wiseman said the pleadings may also include CUC’s opposition to the preliminary injunction.
CUC was given until June 20, 2014, to file its brief, while CHCC was asked to submit its brief on or before July 3, 2014.
CHCC’s motion for preliminary injunction seeks to prevent CUC from disconnecting electric, water, and sewer utility services to the Commonwealth Health Center, which CHCC runs.
CUC has threatened to disconnect unspecified utility services to CHCC after the two agencies failed to resolve the hospital’s arrears. It was last reported that the hospital owes CUC $11 million in past due accounts.
