Watson: Copper theft, material shortages slowing power restoration

A shortage of materials and the theft of copper wires are among the biggest obstacles to restoring power to remaining customers on Saipan and Tinian, according to Commonwealth Utilities Corp. officials.

Speaking during a Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission meeting last June 18 at the Marianas Business Plaza, CUC executive director Kevin Watson said residents frequently ask why neighboring homes have electricity while theirs remain without power.

"The major delay in Saipan is the lack of materials," Watson said.

Watson explained that there can be several reasons a home remains without service, including damaged transformers, missing conductors and stolen service lines.

"A conductor is the copper line that goes from the main line down to their home and many of those were stolen by people wanting to sell the copper," he said.

The issue prompted concern from CPUC chair Jack Angelo, who questioned whether federal authorities should become involved in cases involving theft of utility infrastructure during the ongoing recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

"To me that's looting. That's a very serious crime," Angelo said.

CUC legal counsel Michael Ernest said such cases are generally handled as local crimes, although CUC has been coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General and federal agencies regarding theft-related issues.

The stolen copper wire also cannot be immediately reused because it becomes evidence in criminal cases.

Meanwhile, CUC officials reported some encouraging news, with new shipments of poles and transformers expected to accelerate restoration work on Saipan and Tinian.

CUC legal counsel Tina Ngo outlined a $3.5 million emergency procurement contract with Benson Guam Enterprises Inc. for 700 utility poles and 438 transformers for recovery operations.

"Everyone in the public will be happy about this one," Ngo told commissioners before detailing the procurement.

The order includes 368 concrete poles and 331 wooden poles. Ngo said wooden poles were included because they can be delivered more quickly and at a significantly lower cost than concrete poles.

Watson said a shipment from South Korea arrived this week carrying transformers and power poles. Additional materials from Guam are also being prepared for shipment to the CNMI.

On Tinian, Watson said additional crews, bucket trucks, transformers and poles should help speed restoration efforts.

Watson also reported progress on the water system.

"We have 24-hour water throughout the island of Saipan," he said.

At one point, the Federal Emergency Management Agency had 45 generators powering wells and lift stations across Saipan. Watson said those generators are gradually being removed as facilities are reconnected to the power grid.

As of June 17, Saipan's power restoration had reached 83.8%, according to Watson.

CUC crews have straightened or replaced 525 poles, restored 463 service connections and replaced 150 transformers since recovery operations began.

Watson said restoration efforts should continue to improve as additional materials arrive in the CNMI.