SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands — The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. of the Northern Mariana Islands says it may soon be pulling the plug on three of its biggest customers.

The electrical utility says the Public School System, the central government and the Northern Marianas College owed a total of $5 million as of January.

CUC Executive Director Tony Muna said Tuesday that because the utility is facing a serious financial challenge, the three accounts would soon be disconnected if payment plans aren't drawn up immediately.

Muna met Monday with Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos, Office of Management and Budget officials and the government's finance chief to discuss the situation.

The Northern Mariana Islands is a U.S. commonwealth located about 3,800 miles southwest of Hawaii.