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Electrical malfunction triggers outages
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Posted on Apr 10 2008
An electrical malfunction caused rotating outages and affected traffic lights, water and wastewater services in many areas on Saipan yesterday.
The outages began at 8am along Beach Road in Kristo Rai Church in Garapan south to San Jose intersection. The load shedding was set to end at 10pm last night at the same Garapan to San Jose intersection areas.
According to a report prepared by Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s power division acting manager Lee Lieto, engine No. 5 at Power Plant 1 in Lower Base tripped yesterday morning due to an electrical malfunction.
Lieto said that when CUC crew restarted the engine, mechanical problems were then encountered.
“As the mechanics make the necessary repairs, the power plant will not be capable to generate the required electrical power to adequately meet the island’s [power] demand. Therefore, load shedding is required,” the acting manager explained.
The repairs, Lieto said, resulted in power outages.
After the 8am to 10am outage along Beach Road Garapan to San Jose intersection, the blackout occurred from 10am to 12 noon at Joeten Commercial Complex in Dandan, Kannat Tabla, Standford Hotel area, Upper China Town, Upper Miha in Garapan, and Taro Sue area to Gualo Rai.
From 12pm to 2pm, the outage schedule was set for Capital Hill to Kagman.
From 2pm to 4pm, the blackout was set for Isley Field, CPA, Airport Road, Obyan, and As Perdido.
From 3pm to 4pm, the outage was scheduled for As Terlaje, Finasisu, Kannat Tabla, Airport Road, San Vicente, Dandan, Obyan, Laulau, southern side of Papago, and Botanical Garden.
From 4pm to 6pm, CUC set the outage schedule in Chalan Kiya, San Jose, Susupe court house south to portions of Chalan Kanoa.
From 6pm to 8pm, the load shedding was in As Lito, Finasisu, As Perdido, San Antonio, Afetna, Koblerville, Chalan Piao, and portions of Chalan Kanoa.
The last load shedding schedule was from 8pm to 10pm along Beach Road Garapan at Kristo Rai Church to San Jose intersection.
It was not clear whether CUC implemented all the scheduled outages.
Lieto said repairs are expected to be completed yesterday, but if another emergency arise today, Friday, the same schedule will remain in effect.
