CUC revamp has Teno backing –– Guerrero

The planned revamp in the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation has drawn the support of top CNMI officials, including Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, according to its board chairman, Jesus T. Guerrero.

But he said the re-organization will take some time as the board needs to scrutinize every problems facing the government-owned utility corporation, including the procurement of a new power plant on Saipan.

CUC officials have met with the governor as well as members of the Legislature to discuss the revamp which has been kept under wraps since the ouster of former Board Chairperson Rosario M. Elameto and election of new set of officers in the policy-making body.

Immediately after assuming the position last month, Mr. Guerrero had vowed to institute major policy changes and revamp the CUC management in a move to improve its relations with the Legislature and the community.

The controversial 80-megawatt power plant proposed for Saipan has driven a wedge between CUC and the Legislature because of differences on how to proceed with the much delayed project.

But with the commitment to work together, Mr. Guerrero said the board will focus its work on trying to improve utility services and increase efficiency within the administration of the corporation.

“It’s both an important and time consuming job to get things back on track and I hope everyone will bear with us while we work on it,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.

He added that he appreciated the support extended by elected officials as the board “go forward with the turn-around of this organization that we have promised.”

Board members personally received encouragement for the effort by many members of the public as well as CUC employees. They have made field visits to Tinian and Rota, touring facilities and meeting with their staff, and local leaders, according to Mr. Guerrero.

Appealing for time and patience from the public and the officials, he said the board has begun to look into the situation at CUC.

“Obviously the power plant procurement has grabbed most of the attention,” the chairman explained, “but we have a number of other issues to review and facts to consider. We want to be sure we do things right the first time, so we would appreciate everyone’s patience. Any actions taken as a result of our work will be well though out.”