SAIPAN – Nearly two thirds of Rota’s customers remain without power seven weeks after Super Typhoon Bavi, and the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says limited materials and financial constraints that have cut available crew hours are slowing restoration across all three islands.
In its restoration status update Monday, CUC reported 335 of Rota’s 967 customer accounts energized, or 35 percent. Tinian stands at 95 percent, with 1,005 of 1,052 accounts energized. Saipan is at 92 percent, with 13,455 of 14,687 accounts energized.
The Saipan figure is an adjusted total. CUC excluded roughly 6 percent of facilities that sustained storm damage and cannot be safely energized from its base of 15,624 accounts. Counting those, about 2,169 Saipan accounts remain without power, along with 47 on Tinian and 632 on Rota.
“While restoration continues, progress is being affected by limited materials and financial constraints that have reduced available workforce hours,” CUC said. Crews continue making repairs, installing equipment and energizing customers as resources become available, the utility said.
Water service has been restored to 100 percent of customers on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. CUC said customers with little or no water pressure should check their property for leaks before calling Customer Service at 664-4282, since hidden leaks can keep water from reaching a home even after service is restored.
CUC said it recognizes many customers are still waiting for power and will continue providing verified updates as restoration progresses.
