THE Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is currently standing at a historic crossroads. For decades, our islands have been tethered to the volatility of imported diesel fuel, resulting in some of the highest electricity rates in the United States. With the power plants on Saipan reaching the end of their economic life, CUC is moving forward with a 25-year transition to large-scale Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage Systems. This is not just a utility project; it is a community-wide shift toward long-term cost savings and reliability.
To ensure this transition is successful, CUC needs more than just technical experts; it needs an informed and engaged community. As ratepayers, our voices are vital during the upcoming Town Hall meetings to ensure the selected “Independent Power Producers” are held to the high standards CUC has established in its current Request for Proposals.
Five questions every ratepayer should ask
To help our neighbors understand this complex project, we should approach the Town Hall with clear, layman’s questions that focus on our daily lives and the safety of our families:
1) Our Monthly Bills. CUC’s goal is to reduce our dependence on expensive diesel. Will this 25-year contract “specifically guarantee” that my monthly power bill will decrease and remain stable, even if world oil prices spike again?
2) Typhoon Safety. We have seen the power of 200 mph winds. CUC requires these systems to withstand “210-250 mph winds.” Who is responsible for the cost if these panels are damaged in a storm — the private company or us, the ratepayers?
3) On Nighttime Reliability. The sun only shines during the day, but we need power 24/7. How will the “battery storage system” work with our existing diesel engines to make sure we don’t have blackouts when it’s cloudy or late at night?
4) Proven Technology. CUC has a rule that this technology must be “proven for at least five years” in a utility setting. Can the developer show us another tropical island where this exact equipment has worked reliably without failing?
5) Future Waste. In 25 years, the equipment will wear out. Does the company have a “concrete plan and the money set aside” to safely remove and dispose of old batteries and solar panels so they don’t end up in our local landfills?
How we, the community, can help CUC
CUC is currently evaluating these proposals based on a “rigorous two-phase process” that looks at technical merit first and cost second. As a community, we can assist CUC in making a sound decision by being active partners in the following ways:
• Provide Local Knowledge on Sites. CUC has identified potential areas like Naftan and Kalabera in Saipan, as well as sites in Tinian and Rota. If you live near these areas, share your feedback on potential impacts to cultural resources, noise levels, or the beauty of the landscape.
• Insist on Clear Communication. The RFP requires developers to have a communications plan to keep the general public informed. We should tell CUC exactly how we want to receive updates — whether through village meetings, radio broadcasts, or social media — so no one is left behind.
• Support the Timeline. The goal is to have these plants running within 24 months of the contract award. By engaging constructively with the Department of Public Lands and CUC, the community can help ensure that land rights and permitting move forward without unnecessary delays.
• Monitor Environmental Safeguards. CUC expects to retain all environmental credits from this project. We can help by staying informed on the “preliminary environmental assessments” to ensure our air, water, and ecology are protected for the full 25-year term.
This solar transition is a massive undertaking that requires “reputable proponents with proven track records.” By asking the right questions and offering our local perspective, we can help CUC ensure that this “green” transition results in a “stronger, more affordable, and more resilient CNMI.”
Thank you.
NOEL M. SORIA
Concerned Resident
