CUC: 20‑MW solar design on track; RFP for PPP expected in 60–90 days as senators press on fuel, rates

The Senate POTC committee heard updates Friday from Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) on power generation and distribution plans for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, including a 20‑megawatt solar design the utility said is on schedule and plans to issue a request for proposals for public‑private partnerships (PPPs) within the next 60 to 90 days.

The presentation and subsequent Q&A focused on timelines for the 20‑MW design, the status of diesel generation and fuel reserves, the utility’s net‑billing (formerly called net‑metering) study, and longer‑term options including micro‑nuclear technology and a Department of Defense‑funded master plan. Senators repeatedly pressed CUC on how renewable integration would affect reliability and customer rates.

Executive Director Watson told senators the 20‑MW solar design is “on track to be completed by April.” He said CUC plans to issue RFPs for PPPs not only for the 20‑MW project but for other items in the integrated resource plan (IRP) that consultant GHD presented. Watson added the design work is fully grant‑funded and that CUC wants to advertise the RFP soon so the grant funds are not lost.

Ivana Guillermo, a renewable energy engineer with…