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09/02/2025 - The administration of Gov. David M. Apatang last Aug. 29 inaugurated a new 60-kilowatt rooftop solar photovoltaic system at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
The $169,555 project was funded through the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Energizing Insular Communities program and is expected to save the government about $30,000 annually in electricity costs while reducing carbon emissions by 88 tons.
Apatang, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, said the installation was a long-awaited step toward reducing government power bills. “Within the next couple of months, the center’s monthly electric bills will show whether the rooftop solar system delivers on its promise of lowering costs,” Apatang said.
The facility, which had previously averaged more than $2,000 a month in power consumption, is now equipped with more than 110 high-efficiency solar panels and three typhoon-rated inverters. The system was installed by PKM Corp. and Saipan Green Energy.
“If there was anything anyone would rather have in life that could save money and lessen the headache of trying to pay your high monthly bills on time, I believe it will be switching from using our island electric power grid to a solar photovoltaic electric system,” added Apatang.
Epifanio E. Cabrera Jr., state administrator of the Office of Grants Management, said the project was the first successful implementation of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation’s new interconnection policy for government facilities. “Every dollar saved on energy here is a dollar that can be redirected to programs and services that directly benefit our people,” he said.
CUC executive director Kevin Watson said the project showed how collaboration between agencies and contractors could advance the Commonwealth’s renewable energy goals.
Rep. Vincent S. Aldan said the system was more than a cost-saving measure, calling it a step toward energy independence. He added that if similar projects were implemented across all government facilities, the Commonwealth could save more than $14 million annually.
The administration confirmed that a larger 150-kilowatt solar PV system at the Governor’s Office on Capitol Hill is the next facility scheduled for interconnection.
The event also included remarks from contractor John Diaz of PKM, and a blessing led by deacon Jeff Tenorio Camacho.
Report by Mark Rabago
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