GOVERNOR David M. Apatang on Friday led the ribbon cutting ceremony and the activation of the solar power system at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
Joining the governor were Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse Administrator Epi Cabrera Jr., Rep. Vincent S. Aldan, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive Director Kevin Watson, Saipan Green Energy owner Stacy Wang, and manager/chief operating officer John Diaz.
The group went to the switchboard at the back of the building to turn on the 60-kilowatt photovoltaic system before proceeding to the ceremonial ribbon cutting inside the center.
The solar system, which features 110 high-efficiency panels on the center’s rooftop, cost $169,955 and was funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs.
In his remarks, Apatang said that if there was anything anyone would rather have in life to save money and reduce the stress of paying monthly bills, it would be switching from the CUC power grid to a solar system.
“Within the next couple of months, the center’s electric bill will show whether the system meets expectations — that is, a noticeable reduction in energy costs,” he said. “Let us hope so.”
He thanked OGM-SC for securing funding for the installation and OIA for awarding the grant. He also acknowledged CUC for assisting OGM-SC with the required inspections.
For his part, Cabrera said the project “carries deep significance for our government and our community.” He noted that for years, the multi-purpose center has been one of the public facilities with the highest energy consumption, with monthly bills averaging $2,000.
“The installation of the solar power system is a major step forward in reducing that burden,” Cabrera said. “Every dollar saved on energy here is a dollar we can redirect toward programs and services that directly benefit our people.”
Diaz, speaking on behalf of Wang, described the event as a milestone in the CNMI’s journey toward green energy. He thanked CNMI leaders for their trust and support in making the project possible. “Because of this strong partnership, the solar power system, built to withstand even the toughest storms, is now generating power for the facility,” he said. “This will save the government about $30,000 annually and contribute to cleaner air and stronger resilience.”
Watson said it was an honor to join the ribbon cutting ceremony. He commended OGM-SC for its leadership in implementing the project, thanked the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor for their support, and recognized CUC’s power and renewable energy teams for their critical role in making the system a reality.
“The project is an excellent example of how collaboration and advancements in renewable energy can help community facilities reduce energy costs and advance sustainability goals,” Watson said. “CUC is proud to witness and be part of this milestone event.”
Gov. David M. Apatang, Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse Administrator Epi Cabrera Jr., Saipan Green Energy owner Stacy Wang, Rep. Vincent Aldan, and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive Director Kevin Watson along with other officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the activation of a solar power system at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center on Friday.
Gov. David M. Apatang delivers his special remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 60-kilowatt solar power system at the multi-purpose center on Friday.
