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Energy-saving incentive unveiled
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Posted on Nov 23 2005
Each government agency that reduces its energy use will receive 50 percent of the savings they make in utility costs, Gov. Juan. N. Babauta said.
According to the governor, the incentive will be available to the agency to invest in energy-saving light bulbs, motion sensors, energy-efficient air-conditioners or other conservation measures.
“This investment will mean even more savings for the taxpayers,” Babauta said. “For every dollar we don’t spend on energy is a dollar that we can spend instead on health care or education or any of the other critical services that government provides the people of the Commonwealth.
Last month, the Governor’s Office reported that the entire government has saved $403,872 in utility costs since the Energy Conservation Initiative began in May until September. This includes $114,074 in savings by the Executive Branch.
Other agencies that posted reduced energy use are the Office of the Attorney General, and the departments of Commerce, Community and Cultural Affairs, Finance, Labor, Lands and Natural Resources, Public Health, and Public Works.
The Judicial Branch, Public School System, Northern Marianas College, and the Saipan and Northern Islands municipal governments also cut their utility consumption.
On the other hand, the Legislature’s utility costs went up in September, as a result of the installation of an electric meter at the legislative building.
The Rota and Tinian municipalities showed little change in their utility use.
“We will…allow each agency to keep part of the savings to reinvest in energy conservation by putting in energy-saving lights or replacing old air-conditioners with newer, more energy-efficient models. That way we continue to cut the government electric bill,” Babauta had said earlier.
