DPW seeks clarification on CUC street light billing after Sinlaku

The Department of Public Works has formally asked the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to clarify how it plans to bill street light services following the widespread damage caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

In a letter addressed to CUC executive director Kevin O. Watson last May 8, DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul said the typhoon severely disrupted street light operations across Saipan, with many fixtures damaged, destroyed, displaced, or left without power service.

Yumul said DPW and CUC had already been conducting their annual island-wide street light inventory before the storm to verify fixture counts, fixture types, and operational status for billing purposes.

However, he noted that Super Typhoon Sinlaku struck on April 14, 2026, causing significant damage island-wide, including downed power lines and damaged utility poles that affected street light operations throughout the island.

“Given these circumstances, DPW requests clarification on how CUC intends to assess and bill street light services during the period in which many street lights remain damaged, inoperable, or without power service,” Yumul wrote.

He added that once power restoration and recovery efforts are substantially completed, DPW recommends conducting a joint verification and updated count of operational street lights to ensure accurate billing moving forward.

Yumul said the Commonwealth remains in recovery mode following the typhoon’s impact.

The letter also stated that additional information may be obtained through DPW Administrative Services Division director Peter P. Camacho.