CUC crewmen undergo ‘Buddy Training System’

Three officials from the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) recently conducted a training for crewmen of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation under a program funded by the U.S. Department of Interior Operation and Maintenance Program (OMIP).

Called the “Buddy Training System,” the program links utility firms from Pacific region to assist each other in the operation and maintenance of utility services on their respective islands.

According to Pamela Mathis, CUC information officer, the program was held twice, each of which was one week long all throughout the day.

The first week, from Jan. 17-21, was attended by 11 CUC Power Distribution linemen, including one each from Rota and Tinian.

The second training period, from Jan. 24-28, included 13 linemen: eight from Saipan, one each from Rota and Tinian, and two from Pohnpei who paid their way airfare and expenses while attending the program.

The ASPA trainers discussed the topic on electricity, high voltage wires, called cables or conductors that are cut or spliced together.

Ms. Mathis said “splicing” is most common in underground electrical systems. In the CNMI, there are four such systems — two underground feeders that begin at the Lower Base power plant, run down Middle Road all the way to the Chalan Kiya Substation.

That substation also contains underground components, while there is an underground system within the Garapan area around the American Memorial Park, according to the CUC official.

“Having an electrical system that contains both overhead wires and underground is not only complicated, but it can become dangerous for the linemen, as the two systems require a different level of knowledge and information,” said Ms. Mathis.

“Training, maintenance, constants ‘hands-on work’ is vitally important,” she added.

The OMIP shouldered mostly the cost of bringing the ASPA people into Saipan, although CUC paid for the hotel and car rental while they were on island.

Since the government-owned utility corporation is a member of the Pacific Power Association where its executive director, Timothy P. Villagomez, is currently the president, CUC has been able to establish strong ties with the OMIP, the ASPA and the regional organization itself, according to Ms. Mathis. (BS)