He said Fisher will devote 100 percent of her time to CUC matters and, with the departure of outside counsel Alan Barak, she will represent the utilities agency in matters previously handled by Barak.
“The savings to CUC in legal fees make sense,” Malae said.
Fisher, formerly of Fisher Huesman LLC, served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Associate Justice John A. Manglona and then-Superior Court Presiding Judge Edward Manibusan.
A practicing attorney for 17 years, Fisher brings a varied experience in complex civil matters to her position, Malae said.
Fisher will receive a salary of $120,000 per year.
Last year, CUC paid $350,000 to outside counsel handling civil matters.
Malae said hiring Fisher means that CUC can save $200,000 per year.
When asked about giving up her law practice to work for CUC, Fisher said, “CUC is working so hard to build itself as a successful utility, and I feel good about joining an organization where everyone is giving their all.”
Malae said in addition to successfully performing many stipulated order requirements last year, CUC also achieved a number of performance goals.
“Distribution and non-technical losses are down significantly from 2009,” he said, adding that improved water pressure has extended 24/7 service from As Terlaje to Quartermaster, San Roque, Tanapag and Lower Base.
He said engine 8 is finally overhauled after a one-year delay due to lack of funding.
Power reliability has improved dramatically from 2009 to 2011, he added.
Moreover, the audited financial statements for 2010 were completed on time for the first time in 20 years, he said.
