The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands’ Department of Public Works is offering free solar-powered tabletop fans to local households as part of its Energy Efficiency and Conservation campaign this month. The initiative aims to help Saipan residents reduce energy costs and promote conservation efforts.
The giveaway is set for Oct. 26 at the Koblerville Youth Center in Saipan, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Fans will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Residents are required to bring a government-issued ID and their latest utility bill to verify eligibility.
The program comes as the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) grapples with a critical power shortage in Rota and Saipan. CUC Executive Director Kevin Watson urged the board of directors to declare a state of emergency to expedite the purchase of new generators. The current generators are considered irreparable due to age and catastrophic failures.
However, the board declined to declare the emergency and instead directed Watson to explore temporary power solutions.
