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Peavey: Nov. seen as likely start of CUC’s new engine
Dallas M. Peavey Jr.
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is still in the process of finishing the foundation for its new engine at Power Plant 1 in Lower Base and beginning the assembly of that, according to acting CUC executive director Dr. Dallas M. Peavey Jr.
In an interview shortly after the CUC board held an executive session yesterday, Peavey said the new 8.7-megawatt engine came just three and half weeks ago. From preparing the foundation to assembling the engine, Peavey said that’s an eight-month process, so it looks like that the new engine will be installed and completed to be commissioned by this November.
“The foundation itself will take probably three months,” he said.
Peavey said the new engine has a bigger base load because it’s a larger engine.
“Because it’s new, there would be less maintenance required in the next five years, and it’s more fuel-efficient,” he said.
The engine, which is worth $6.4 million, replaces Unit No. 5 engine, which is already 40 years old and is one of the eight generators at Power Plant 1.
When asked what transpired during the session yesterday, Peavey said it was about the Retirement Fund account and the change in bank signatories since there has been a change in the executive directorship and some of the board memberships.
“We’re just getting approval from the board to make the changes,” he said.
Board chair Pro Tem Janice A. Tenorio presided over the session.
Former CUC executive director Gary P. Camacho, who has just resigned from the post, earlier stated that the engine’s manufacturer, Man B&W, is fully responsible for the transportation and mobilization of the engine to the Power Plant 1, that Man B&W will install the engine and then have it operated, tested, eventually turned over to CUC.
Camacho resigned from his post last Feb. 21, soon after Gov. Arnold I. Palacios expressed his intention to replace him. Camacho is currently on leave and his resignation will take effect this Sunday, March 26.
