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15 positions opened at utilities corporation
The cash-strapped Commonwealth Utilities Corp. opened yesterday 15 positions-all classified as trade technicians-who will mostly be stationed at the Power Plant 4, which is currently on standby.
CUC chief financial officer Charles Warren told Saipan Tribune yesterday that these positions will not be funded by a grant award from federal agencies but will solely be sourced from CUC’s own revenue.
The 15 newly opened positions include six mechanics; two electricians; four operators; one machinist; and two welders. Based on the job announcement released yesterday, recruits will be stationed at Power Plant 4 in Puerto Rico and possibly at other CUC power facilities on the three islands. Salaries will range from $17,282 to $25,059 per annum. The announcement will close at end of this month.
Last July 1, CUC bought out Pacific Marine Industrial Corp.’s contract to run Power Plant 4 to the tune of $7.2 million. Under the agreement, CUC will pay PMIC $331,000 a month for 27 months.
In an earlier interview with PMIC director Marcin Ostrowski, he disclosed that part of the buyout agreement is the smooth transition of 26 Power Plant 4 employees to CUC.
Saipan Tribune learned that 12 of these employees were directly hired by PMIC while 14 others are employed by its local partner. These affected personnel were made to apply for positions with CUC.
Warren said the vacant posts are not new but replacements for CUC. “All of the advertised positions are not grant funded. They are not new positions but to fill existing vacancies.”
Last week, an audit on was sought by
Some senators are seeking an audit on CUC’s buyout deal-a move that Warren said CUC welcomes.
“Everything we do at CUC is an open book. We’re happy to provide the information requested by the Senate,” he added.
Warren earlier disclosed that the buyout deal will save CUC over $5 million until 2016-the supposed termination of the original PMIC contract. He said once installment payments are made in less than three years, this may result in lower rates for CUC customers as CUC will have additional revenue for its operation.
Power Plant 4 is intended to be shut down and will serve only as an emergency backup.
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter
