19 groups join REACh energy fair

A total of 19 government and non-government organizations joined yesterday’s REACh Energy Fair held at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium’s parking lot along the Beach Road from 9am to 3pm.

Event coordinator Linda Concepcion said the groups that set up booths for the fair included Saipan Computer Services, 3A’s Polyshine, Yco Hardware, CNMI Energy Division, Ace Hardware, Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Microl Corp., Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Ejunji Corp., Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program, NMC-CREES, Office on Aging, Gree Air Conditioner, Division of Youth Services, LIHEAP, American Disability Resource Center, Child Protection Unit, and the Volunteer Program.

This was an improvement on the 16 groups that participated last year.

Concepcion said the fair is now on its third year and the turnout this year has been “great.”

She said the fair aims to help consumers learn new ways to save both energy and money through energy conservation. “The fair intends to educate the community on energy conservation,” she said. “It has been a good turnout.”

The fair featured displays and demonstrations of energy efficient products, on-site vendor sales, and giveaways of energy efficient products from participating groups. Microl Corp. displayed one its hybrid cars, which consumes less fuel. The DLNR offered free shade plants to visitors and spectators. The Energy Division gave away one free CFL for every CFL purchased at the fair. The CFLs use less energy, produce less heat, and last longer than incandescent light bulbs. CUC helped consumers on how to accurately read their power meters.

Information for low-income families on eligibility for the DCCA Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Saipan Mayor’s Office utility subsidy program were also given out to spectators. DCCA Nutrition Assistance Program and Office on Aging staff were available to answer queries on other social services provided in the CNMI.

REACh is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and aims to promote public education on energy assistance and conservation, to promote understanding of budget matters in families, and to help clients of the DCCA Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program achieve energy self-sufficiency.