An increase in average international fuel prices has prompted the utilities company in the Northern Marianas to raise its power rates from next month.
Saipan in the Northern Marianas. Photo: Supplied
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp said it was increasing its fuel adjustment charge of 20 US cents per kilowatt-hour from 1 June.
The adjustment charge is one of two components that make up the Corp's electricity rate, which is used to purchase fuel.
Residential customers who use 500 kWh of power per month will pay approximately US$11 more in their monthly billing.
According to the Corp, its supplier, Mobil Oil Mariana Islands Inc, notified it about the increase in average world fuel prices.
Earlier this month, gas prices went up 20 cents, just three months after the last price increase.