Hofschneider: Tinian power restoration progressing, urges patience as CUC awaits materials

Tinian Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider says electricity is gradually returning to parts of the island, but warned that full restoration will take more time as the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. continues to grapple with equipment shortages following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

In a Facebook video update, Hofschneider said Tinian had been "partially energized" and that some residents had already regained electricity despite unexpected setbacks affecting portions of the island's power distribution system.

He said utility crews are working to resolve the issues while waiting for critical equipment, including transformers and power poles, to arrive through the ports. Some of those materials will be sent to Tinian, although he noted that recovery efforts on Rota remain a priority because of the more extensive damage there.

"I just wanted to point that out that a lot of these factors has to do with the shipments and the replenishment of materials that they need to be able to re-energize our power system on the island of Tinian," Hofschneider said.

He also addressed questions from residents about utility bills, saying concerns had been raised during meetings between the Tinian and Aguiguan delegation and CUC regarding charges incurred while emergency generators supplied by federal partners were powering the island.

According to Hofschneider, CUC advised lawmakers that customers would not be billed the Fuel Adjustment Charge during the period when federal emergency generators and fuel supplies were being used. Residents who believe they were incorrectly billed were encouraged to contact CUC customer service so the issue could be formally reviewed while his office works with the utility on possible billing credits.

In the accompanying Facebook post, Hofschneider reminded residents that Tinian's power plant remains inoperable because of damage caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku and that electricity generation continues to be provided by federal partners using their own personnel and fuel resources.

Looking ahead, he appealed for continued patience from the community.

"I continue to ask the community for their patience and also to continue throwing our support to our brothers and sisters at CUC as they are really doing their best, with limited resources, to provide electricity to our homes," Hofschneider wrote.

He also stressed the importance of restoring stable electrical service as quickly as possible.

"In closing, please keep this in mind; without adequate electricity, it will compromise water wells and sewer system," he said.