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CUC cancels power outage in DOC area
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Posted on May 01 2000
The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation last Friday canceled at the last minute the next day’s scheduled power outage in several areas south of Saipan to prevent potential jailbreak in the Division of Corrections.
The correctional facility apparently has yet to install a back-up electrical system in case of outages in CUC’s main power switch, thus affecting its operations in the event that the utility firm cuts supply to Chalan Kanoa and Susupe area.
CUC earlier had scheduled a power outage for April 29, lasting between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. that would have hit the DOC in Susupe. This would have given way for its crews to undertake electrical improvements in the two adjacent villages.
According to a CUC statement, utility officials had been informed that prison cell doors in the DOC open and close electronically and that without the island power, it would not be able to operate.
“Our community utility determined that it is better to keep the entire island safe by allowing the prison to operate on Saturday and also by giving [DOC] officials to install it’s backup generation,” it said.
Three inmates bolted out of prison last Easter Sunday in a jailbreak that is still under investigation by the Department of Public Safety. Although the escapists are now back in jail, the incident has raised worries on the safety of the island residents.
