A total of 77 participants attended the CUC pre-proposal conference for the CUC-RFP-25-021 IPP-Solar PV with BESS for all islands on Sept. 9, 2025, in the CUC Conference Room.
CUC photo
(CUC) — On Sept. 9, 2025, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation held a pre-proposal conference for the CUC-RFP-25-021 – Independent Power Producer for the Solar Photovoltaic with Battery Energy Storage System or BESS for All Islands, CNMI.
The conference provided potential vendors with a comprehensive understanding of the project requirements and allowed for questions and clarifications to ensure a consistent and transparent bidding process. Seventy-seven participants attended, including 42 in person and 35 virtually, with registrants joining from as far away as the continental United States and Australia. Approximately 30 vendors participated both in person and online.
Project overview
CUC is inviting solar PV and BESS developers to submit proposals to supply electricity to the three power systems serving Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The RFP process is conducted in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 50 of the Northern Mariana Islands Administrative Code: Procurement Regulations of CUC.
In a special business meeting on Aug. 22, 2025, the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission approved the advertisement of the RFP. CUC officially posted the RFP on Aug. 26, 2025.
CUC’s existing power plants, except small renewable systems such as rooftop solar, are fueled by imported diesel, resulting in some of the highest electric rates in the United States and subject to fuel market volatility.
CUC is exploring cost-effective options to replace or augment the existing generation infrastructure with renewable energy. The proposed large-scale utility solar PV projects with integrated BESS aim to provide environmentally friendly electricity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower operating costs, and enhance long-term customer reliability.
For more information, visit https://www.cucgov.org/procurement/.
