Fitial led government officials in touring Power Plant 1 in Lower Base for the ceremony marking the rehabilitation of Engines 3 and 7.
“It’s very successful,” the governor said, referring to CUC’s rehabilitation and repair efforts.
Senate President Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, said it was a big relief that the two engines are back on track.
“I am glad to see that we are on the road to power recovery,” he said.
Reyes expressed confidence that CUC may no longer need to extend the Aggreko contract.
Before the plant tour, CUC Executive Director Antonio Muna discussed the Fitial administration’s efforts in obtaining funds to pursue the rehabilitation of the power plant engines.
Despite the many challenges, Muna said the governor was able to secure funds from the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs — $10 million in 2007.
With Engines 3 and 7 online again, they, in addition to Engine 6, will bring the plant’s total production to 25 megawatts.
R. Jeffrey Schorr, Office of Insular Affairs field representative, said he is optimistic that CUC’s progress will be appreciated by the community and the business sector.
“I am hoping they will continue to improve,” he said.
Early this month, Muna assured lawmakers that Power Plant 1 would increase its production by March 30 with the completion of the rehabilitation of Engines 3 and 7.
On June 30, he added, they are expecting another engine to be operational, bringing the overall Power Plant 1 capacity to 28 megawatts without Aggreko.
Muna said Wallon Young, who was hired as CUC deputy director for utilities system rehabilitation, has helped tremendously in the rehabilitation efforts.
He also commended CUC’s plant mechanics and electricians for their hard work.
By Sept. 30, he said Engine 5 will be online and Power Plant 1’s production will increase to 34 megawatts, bringing CUC’s total capacity to 54 megawatts.
The other officials who attended yesterday’s ceremony were Senate Vice President Felix T. Mendiola, Covenant-Rota, Senate Floor Leader Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian, Coastal Resources Management Director John B. Joyner, Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr., Tom Camacho of the governor’s office, Office of Insular Affairs systems accountant Keith Aughenbaugh and Rep. Stanley T. Torres, R-Saipan.
