A temporary generator is being used to provide power for the Northern Marianas island of Rota after a $US700,000 diesel engine broke down a day after being installed.
The coast of Rota in the CNMI. Photo: CT Snow
The recently purchased 1.8-megawatt engine tripped due to a grounding issue, causing an island-wide outage.
In place of the engine, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is using the generator to provide the island with electricity and has a second generator as backup.
The engine was purchased as part of an emergency declaration that was criticised by lawmakers.