Mechanical failure caused power outage
A mechanical failure with Engine 2 at the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s Power Plant 1 in Lower Base caused a multi-feeder outage at 10:25am yesterday, resulting in power going out in portions of Saipan. According to CUC executive director Gary Camacho on Thursday, electricity on Saipan was fully restored at 1:28pm.
According to Camacho, Engine 2’s mechanical failure was specifically due to a turbocharger failure and the engine was immediately had to make an emergency stop. Due to the limited power capacity, the other engines that were still running were unable to sustain the power demand, and tripped.
Feeders 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7, and Kiyas 1, 2, 3, and 4 were affected, disrupting the power services of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and large portions of northern and southern Saipan. Water services in the areas affected by the power outage were interrupted as well.
CUC urges those wishing to learn more information about the outage, as well as those with questions or concerns, to call 664-4282 and to also monitor its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CommonwealthUtilitiesCorporation.