Northern Mariana Islands removes final emergency generators post-typhoon

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has achieved a significant recovery milestone following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with the removal of the final emergency generators provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The US Army Corps of Engineers announced the completion of the deinstallation of temporary power systems used to support critical infrastructure after the storm.

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Temporary power demobilizing is a good thing because that means that the CUC [Commonwealth Utilities Corporation] here on Saipan and Tinian have been able to hook up critical infrastructure back to the permanent grid.

Mission commander Captain Zach Bailey stated that the demobilization of temporary power signifies progress in restoring permanent electrical service across the islands. "Temporary power demobilizing is a good thing because that means that the CUC [Commonwealth Utilities Corporation] here on Saipan and Tinian have been able to hook up critical infrastructure back to the permanent grid," Bailey said. The temporary power mission had installed 128 generators across Saipan and Tinian after deploying in April.

These generators supplied electricity to essential facilities, including water wells and sewage lift stations, while utility crews worked on repairing storm-damaged power systems. Kevin Watson, CUC executive director, reported during a recent Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission meeting that Saipan had already transitioned most critical facilities back to permanent power. "At one point we had 45 generators from FEMA powering either water wells or lift stations," Watson noted, adding, "So those have been pulled and now we're on grid power."

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At one point we had 45 generators from FEMA powering either water wells or lift stations. So those have been pulled and now we're on grid power.

Work was completed to reconnect the Carolina Heights booster station and Tinian International Airport to permanent power before the generators were withdrawn. Watson also confirmed that water service on Saipan has returned to normal, with "24-hour water throughout the island of Saipan." The generator removal occurs ahead of the July 9 expiration of FEMA's 100 percent federal cost-share for emergency power operations. Super Typhoon Sinlaku struck the Northern Marianas in April, causing widespread damage to power, water, and other vital infrastructure.

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We have 24-hour water throughout the island of Saipan.