“Please pass the pending energy legislation that would encourage prospective investors to establish renewable energy generation in the CNMI,” he said in an e-mail interview.
About 10 megawatts of renewable energy generation — solar, wind, gasification, geothermal — are needed immediately, he said.
“Cheaper energy costs mean lower rates to all customers,” he added.
On Friday, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial named Malae as the replacement of Antonio S. Muna who resigned in June.
Malae, who served as Muna’s assistant executive director, said he is “indebted” to the former CUC chief for “teaching me the ropes.”
“Tony has demonstrated that you can get things done under adverse conditions and still keep your cool,” Malae said.
He also thanked the governor for appointing him.
When asked how he will manage the troubled utilities agency, Malae said “our team hopes to make CUC more businesslike and responsive to the community of the CNMI.”
He said there are individuals in CUC management who have been tested before in the “crucible of turning around a failing organization.”
According to Malae, CUC chief financial officer Charles Warren “has proven his mettle in the private sector, and that dose of private sector problem solving ability is what is needed.”
Malae said CUC’s greatest assets are its the personnel.
“Without the workers, the only thing that we in management can really be good at is having meetings,” he added.
