Muna said CUC’s leased generators from the U.K.-based Aggreko International Power Projects Ltd. should start producing electricity on Sept. 14 and be fully operational three days thereafter.
Aggreko’s office in Singapore shipped on August 8 the containerized generators to Saipan.
The machines should arrive a month from that date and be functional within days of arrival.
“My understanding is that, at least 14 megawatts by Sept. 12, should be up and running and full compliment load by Sept. 16 or 17,” said Muna. “We are trying our best.”
He said this is a very difficult chapter for CUC, but “everybody is focused in going forward. Focused on in getting power online without delays.”
He added, “We’re working closely with the [Office of Insular Affairs] and I’m working closely with our folks on a direct basis to make sure that engines are protected from any further damage.”
Once the Aggreko generators are up and running, CUC’s Power Plant 1 will remain open for operation.
Muna said they don’t intend to shut it down even if there’s already a back-up energy source.
He said they will rehabilitate the troubled engines there.
“We will run it on a rotating basis instead of trying to run all four engines at the same time,” he said.
CUC needs an additional 10 megawatts to provide power to all households and businesses around Saipan.
