SAIPAN – The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation issued a public advisory Saturday addressing residents whose homes remain without power one month after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, saying crews are aware of homes that may appear to have been skipped during restoration work.
“CUC would like to reassure the community that crews are aware of homes and facilities still without power that may appear to have been skipped and remain committed to energizing every possible home and facility to the power system,” the utility said in the advisory.
While many areas have been energized, extensive damage to the transmission and distribution system continues to delay full restoration in some neighborhoods, CUC said. Damage includes downed distribution poles and lines, damaged transformers, broken crossarms and pole-top equipment, and other critical infrastructure that requires repair or replacement before power can be safely restored.
CUC asked for continued patience and said several deliveries of additional replacement poles, transformers and materials are scheduled to arrive over the next month, starting next week.
The Guam Power Authority continues to assist CUC with restoration work, the advisory said.
The advisory follows CUC Executive Director Kevin Watson and T&D Engineer Jonathan Camacho’s briefing Friday in which they reported 93% of Saipan’s primary distribution lines have been energized, but the overall figure including secondary laterals to individual homes is closer to 20%. A shipment of 60-plus concrete power poles is expected Tuesday from Guam Power Authority, which will unlock additional restoration in Kagman and the back road in Papago, Camacho said.