Energy Office Director Thelma Inos told Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and the participants of last Friday’s Energy Awareness Month proclamation signing that the federal money her office had received amounted to more than $30 million.
She said they exceeded their 50 percent goal in spending federal funds to promote energy conservation as well as the use of green energy in the commonwealth.
Asked how long will it take for them to spend the less than $15 million left, Inos said they still have six months to move ahead with other energy-saving projects.
“We want to spend every dollar that is given to us,” she added.
DPW Secretary Martin Sablan lauded the Energy Office “for taking time to promote energy saving measures in the commonwealth.”
He said over the last several months, the CNMI’s energy conservation campaign has been a great success, adding that Inos and her staff should be commended for “the outstanding job.”
Also on Friday, Fitial and the Energy Office launched the Energy Star campaign. Energy Star pledge is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s national “change the world” advocacy.
Energy efficiency, Fitial said, is important to the commonwealth because it saves consumers and businesses money, and helps protect the environment by fighting climate change.
Governors all over the nation, he said, are committed to maintaining secure, safe and affordable energy resources for their constituents.
Energy Star campaign does not only help people save energy. It also helps them voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home.
This is done by switching to Energy Star light bulbs and other household fixtures.
According to the governor’s proclamation, if every home in the CNMI changes a bulb to one that has earned the Energy Star standard, the islands would save 2,748,033 kilowatt-hours of power per year. This would result in an annual total savings of $4.2 million in energy costs while preventing 395,562 pounds of green house gas emissions each year.
The CNMI is proud to join the fight against climate change by taking part in the nationwide Energy Star Change a Light Day campaign, the governor said.
Some energy-saving habits include turning off the computer when not in use, installing and using a programmable thermostat correctly with pre-programmed settings and choosing products that have an Energy Star seal.
Fitial also disclosed that the request for proposal for renewable energy projects was closed on Thursday. The next step now is to hold a pre-bid conference.
He did not disclose how many vendors submitted proposals but said: “I never expected to receive so many proposals for renewable energy.”
Because October is National Energy Awareness Month, Fitial and Inos encourage people to be smart in their energy choices. This way, they can support the economy, protect the environment and increase the islands’ energy independence.
“Wise energy attitudes, behaviors and organizational decisions ensure results,” the governor said.
Fitial also urged residents to take time to review their daily routine to conserve energy and empower others to take action and come together to save energy and money.
“No matter how large the problem may appear the fact remains that each of us is a part of the solution. Every day, each of us makes decisions that can stimulate sustainability and a new energy economy. When we put all the pieces together all of us have the means to shape our energy future and more our nation toward energy independence,” he added.
“Now is the time to act with urgency to achieve a clean and secure energy economy and save taxpayer dollars. Turn awareness into action. Turn intent into investment. Turn opportunities into outcomes,” the governor said.
