(CUC) — The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is excited to announce that the 30th Annual Pacific Power Association or PPA Conference will be held on Saipan in September 2023.
The conference is where utility officials, power managers as well as vendors and businessmen from across the Pacific will convene to hold their general meeting.
PPA is an association of electricity utilities, organizations, and individuals who have an interest in the operations and development of the power industry in the Pacific Island Countries. PPA is an inter- governmental regional organization founded by the electricity utilities operating in the Pacific Islands Countries. The PPA was established in 1992 and has a Secretariat Office located in Suva, Fiji. Currently it has a membership of 25 electricity utilities operating in 22 Pacific Island Countries such as the Federate States of Micronesia, Samoa, Australia, Fiji, Guam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. PPA also has 77 allied members world-wide with interest in the development of the power industry in the Pacific region. The conference is expected to draw over 250 people.
PPA held its 29th annual conference in Brisbane, Australia from November 21 to 24, 2022. The CNMI and CUC had previously hosted the first PPA conference in 1992, and again in 2002. CUC is pleased to have the opportunity to host once again.
“These meetings brought to light many problems that Pacific Island utilities and the power sector market face in common, which could be dealt with effectively through direct cooperation. CUC and the CNMI benefits from the conference, which focuses on current technologies and the future of the utility industry,” said CUC Executive Director Gary P. Camacho.
CUC Board Pro Tem Chairwoman Janice A. Tenorio is also pleased for the return of the annual conference to the CNMI after 20 years. “This is a great opportunity for the CNMI to increase its business relations and to network with partners, who are from the Pacific region. This conference will also support our local economy with our visitors looking to shop, explore, and experience what our islands has to offer,” said Tenorio.
CUC Executive Director Gary P. Camacho, who attended the 29th PPA conference in Brisbane, Australia has communicated to the acting PPA executive director about CUC’s commitment to hosting next year’s conference. PPA members will be visiting Saipan in January 2023 to scope out venues, lodging, and to initiate plans for the September 2023 conference. CUC looks forward to working alongside the CNMI’s private businesses and government agencies for their support as the conference committee moves to solidify its planning.
For more information regarding the 30th Pacific Power Association Conference, contact the Office of the CUC Executive Director at (670) 664-4282.
Gary Camacho
