Buniag, who was assigned energy marshal for all offices and buildings under the Office of the Governor, said they implemented an energy and water conservation program in December 2010.
The overall energy marshal is Dr. John Joyner, who is responsible for checking and monitoring all the departments and offices of the government.
The program, Buniag said, aims to eliminate waste in the government’s use of electricity, water and sewer services.
He said the use of water and sewers continues to cost the government a lot.
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. rates for water and sewer usage are higher for government compared to residential units, he added.
But there was a decrease in power usage after the program was initiated, he said.
He did not disclose any figures.
Currently, the CNMI government owes CUC $4.6 million.
Variety learned that an energy and water conservation program was also implemented by the Public School System, the largest power user in the government.
Buniag said he is tasked to check, read, monitor, observe, record and report the daily use and consumption of electricity in all offices under the governor.
“A daily four-time reading of the electric meter is done and recorded then a monthly report is prepared and submitted to Esther S. Fleming, the governor’s special assistant for administration, on the usage of electricity in all the 17 buildings and offices under the governor,” Buniag said.
He added that his report is then submitted to the Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos.
“Staffers are now conserving energy by turning off lights and air-conditioning units,” Buniag said.
He said they constantly check, monitor and record the use of utilities, and remind all the staff and directors about the program.
He said the offices and buildings are even checked during holidays, austerity Fridays and weekends to ensure that no air-conditioning units are operating and no lights are on.
“We also remind the departments and offices to conserve water and check their bathrooms for leaks to minimize the cost to the government,” he added.
