GPA PIO

GPA Awarded $14k for Streetlight Pilot Program

2010-11-10T22:27:00.000+10:00

Pacific Lineman Training Program Receives Continued Support

2010-08-09T09:02:00.000+10:00

(US Department of the Interior Press Release)

Washington, DC - The Department of the Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Tony Babauta signed a $439,500 grant award providing strong support for the Pacific Lineman Training Program (PLTP). The grant will extend the PLTP for an additional year and provide a new class of participants with valuable training which is recognized by the Department of Labor as equivalent to professional linemen certification programs on the U.S. mainland. Participating utilities, from each island, will provide $406,070 in combined matching contributions; bringing the total funding resulting from this grant to $845,570.

“The Pacific Lineman Training Program has been an exemplary model for building capacity and bolstering our workforce commitment and development throughout the U.S. Pacific Insular Areas. I am excited about the results generated by this program where support is largely geared towards the advancement of successful technical and vocational training programs that stand as a valuable resource throughout the region,” said Assistant Secretary Babauta.

In 2009, the Pacific Lineman Training Program provided a total of 38 weeks of professional lineman training and more than 1,600 hours of instruction, both in the classroom and hands-on training in the field. In addition, six veteran linemen from Yap completed the Advance Certification class and received their U.S. Department of Labor certification.

“In the last five years, the Office of Insular Affairs has funded over $2.2 million for the Pacific Lineman Training Program to further develop a cadre of knowledgeable, professional lineman that provide their communities and the utilities service with safe and efficient electricity transmission and field expertise. This is an optimal opportunity to further expand our commitment to job creation while building on existing programs that leverage opportunities for future participants,” added Babauta.

TRADE APPRENTICES TO BECOME JOURNEYMEN

2010-07-30T07:46:00.006+10:00

The Guam Power Authority will recognize 13 graduating apprentices at the Guam Marriott Resort within the Chamorro Ballroom during a recognition ceremony tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. The graduate apprentices represent trades ranging from power plant operator, instrument technician, machinist and lineman to name a few.

These graduate apprentices will receive U.S. Department of Labor certification in their respective trades. Each graduate has completed three and four year on-the-job training as well as academic requirements from the Guam Community College to receive a certificate of completion towards becoming certified skilled workers.

Completing certification are Zachary F. Castro, Andrew-Jay T. Damian, Rudy M. Santos, Jr., Ryan P. Bersamin, Tommy Jay N. Cruz, and Brian K.C. Manosa, all Instrument Technicians; Keith F. Baza, Robert P. Conquer, Ralph F. Garrido, and Lloyd E. Ramirez, all Linemen; Gregory G. Perez, Jr., Jacob S. Quintanilla, and Jim R. Tamondong, all Power Plant Operators.

GPA's Apprenticeship program has been a partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor, the Agency for Human Resources Development and the Guam Community College that supports the Authority's program to develop a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of Guam's Island Wide Power System.

"It's no secret that many within GPA's existing workforce will soon reach retirement eligibility," stated Flores, "Over time, these apprentices will fill critical positions due to retirements and additionally, they may also serve as journeymen mentors to train other apprentices as the Authority rebuilds its workforce and providing outstanding energy services to our island community.

GPA Rating Agency Chamber of Commerce Presentation

2010-07-01T09:59:00.002+10:00

June 30, 2010 Guam Chamber of Commerce General Membership meeting at the Sheraton Laguna Resort in Tamuning.

Download pdf of Powerpoint presentation.

Government Meetings

2010-06-24T14:44:00.001+10:00

JULY 13, 2010
Consolidated Commission on Utilities: Regular meeting on Guam Power Authority matters and petition to amend the class standard of the Assistant Plant Superintendent position at 5:00 p.m., Guam Power Authority board conference room, Harmon. Agenda copies available. For special accommodation call Lou Sablan, 648-3002.

Voltage Fluctuations

2009-09-30T11:14:00.002+10:00

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Voltage Fluctuations
During and after a storm, the island wide power system may be unstable, with
abnormal high or low voltages, or fluctuating voltage being experienced in
homes and commercial establishments.
If you detect voltage fluctuations such as extremely bright lighting or very
dim lighting emanating from lamps or lights, immediately unplug your
"sensitive" appliances which include: refrigerators, air conditioners,
computer and computer-related equipment, microwave ovens, etc. Then
immediately report this electrical problem to GPA's 24-Hour Trouble Dispatch
at 475-1472/3/4. Your prompt action may prevent damage to your appliances
caused by power surges/spikes or power dips.
Art S. Perez Communications Manager
Phone No. 648-3000
30 September 2009

Shutting Off Main Breakers

2009-09-30T11:11:00.001+10:00

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
SHUTTING OFF MAIN BREAKERS

The Guam Power Authority is pleading with the public for their cooperation
and assistance to protect the health and safety of the GPA line crews. If
you are operating a generator, especially a large generator, please SHUT OFF
THE MAIN BREAKER(S) OF ALL THE HOUSE(S) OR BUILDING(S) THAT ARE CONNECTED TO
YOUR GENERATOR. This will prevent a "back feed" of power from your
generator unit into the Island Wide Power System. Your actions will prevent
serious injury or death to GPA's line crews who are either clearing lines or
energizing primary and secondary power lines across Guam.

Art S. Perez
Communications Manager
Phone No. 648-3000
30 September 2009

Checking Your Home Appliances Left "ON" Prior to the Tropical Storm/Depressions

2009-09-30T11:06:00.001+10:00

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

GPA advises and reminds all customers to make an internal electrical
inspection of their home or business establishment, to ensure the safety of
loved ones and customers.

Double check all electrical appliances or electrical switches that may have
been "ON" prior interruption of power brought on by tropical storms. Turn
"OFF" all electrical items, especially cooking stoves and irons, to ensure
safety, should electrical power be restored to your home or business during
sleep-time hours or when you are away. A small lamp or a single light
fixture switched "ON" can be used to monitor the power status in your home
or business. Once power is restored in your area, you will be aware of it
and can resume the operation of appliances within your home and/or business.

Art S. Perez
Communications Manager
Phone No. 648-3000
30 September 2009

GPA AWARDED 150K GRANT

2009-06-22T19:30:00.000+10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • 5 March 2009

GPA AWARDED 150K GRANT

The Guam Power Authority was informed through correspondence that 150K was awarded through the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) for an investment project to fund security gates at one of the Authority’s facilities. The approved grant project met one of six Investment Justification projects that were submitted through the HSGP Strategy Initial Implementation.

“The Authority has been taking more aggressive steps towards developing its grants applications and grants management capabilities” stated Joaquin C. Flores, P.E. GPA General Manager, “GPA is trying to take full advantage of alternative funding sources for its capital improvement program. GPA wishes to thank Frank Ishizaki and the Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense for their assistance in the grant application process.”

GPA will now work on specifications for the project in accordance with all HSGP terms and conditions along with all other federal regulations and requirements by HMS, the federal grantor agency. The project is scheduled to be completed by August 31st, 2011.

(end)

Editor’s Note: GHS/OCD Notification Letter dated 18 Feb 2009

OUTAGE ANNOUNCEMENT HAILS COMPLETION OF UNDERGROUND LINE PROJECT

2009-06-22T19:29:00.001+10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • 5 March 2009

OUTAGE ANNOUNCEMENT HAILS COMPLETION OF
UNDERGROUND LINE PROJECT

The Guam Power Authority is announcing a scheduled outage for this Saturday, March 7, 2009. The outage is from 9 A.M through 3 P.M. affecting areas along the entrance to the Tanguisson area by the Micronesia Mall and the American Dialysis location area to the GWA Sewage Treatment Plant. With this announcement comes the completion of the Harmon Substation to the Tanguission Power Plant Underground (U/G) Line Conversion for two 34.5 kV transmission lines.

"Contractors crews (J.B. Modern Tech) will be removing some concrete power poles, overhead transmission lines and hardware equipment that once delivered power from the Tanguission Power Plant to customers via the Harmon Substation," stated Joaquin C. Flores, P.E. GPA General Manager, "This particular line was susceptible to forced outages and service interruptions by snakes that came in contact with the line; today with our power lines underground, GPA can potentially provide service to customers along Hotel Row during storms from the Tanguission facility and speed up recovery efforts after typhoons."

The $4M U/G project provides two protected transmission lines and a fiber optic line directly connecting the Tanguission Power Plant to the Harmon Substation. The project was partially funded by FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant and was cost shared by the Authority as part of several projects to extend underground line protection to large load centers in the central part of Guam.

"The line is already in service with one of the Tanguission Baseload units contributing 26.5 megawatts of power to customers," remarked Flores, "With this project complete, GPA has two other ongoing U/G projects that are on schedule with the Macheche to the Airport and the Macheche to the San Vitores Substation that will directly serve the Guam Memorial Hospital; both are scheduled to be completed either by the end of December or early next year."

(end)

MORE FAST TRACK GENERATING UNITS COMING ONLINE

2009-06-22T19:01:00.000+10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE • 28 January 2009

MORE FAST TRACK GENERATING
UNITS COMING ONLINE

GPA is working to get more fast track generating units on-line. Repair and preparatory work are ongoing at three of the Authority’s 20 megawatt combustion turbine (CT) units, Dededo CT no. 2, Macheche and Yigo CT. All three CT units will add an additional 60 megawatts of reserve that can be brought online to support maintenance, overhauls or emergency shutdowns at other GPA baseload generating units.

“These units represent one part of the Authority’s generating mix that has been used to provide recovery and support during typhoon restorations and blackouts,” stated Joaquin C. Flores, P.E., GPA General Manager, “Bringing these units back online will add operational flexibility to support Guam’s power needs during peak hours, for spinning reserve and to support additional load from the pending military buildup.”

The CTs are one part of a larger project that will connect some large load centers to major substations via underground transmission lines allowing for possible electric service during storms or quicker recovery during disaster restoration. The Dededo CT Plant is connected to Andersen Air Force Base via an underground transmission line and the Yigo CT is within close range to Andersen Air Force Base.

“Construction work to connect the Macheche CT to the Guam International Airport Terminal (GIAT) is ongoing as can be seen with the trenching work along Harmon Loop Road,” remarked Flores, “These fast track assets are crucial during disaster recovery and can provide needed generation reserves as Guam’s power needs grows – additionally, the Authority is currently working to diversify its generation assets with more alternative and renewable energy resources e.g. wind mills.”

(end)

Editor’s Note: The PUC recently approved funding for GPA to conduct an assessment of repair work to Dededo CT 2. GPA maintenance crews will dismantle the unit to prepare the generator rotor for inspection soon.

GPA Bond Ratings Up

2009-01-19T20:24:00.003+10:00

The Authority has received official notice that Standard & Poors (S&P) has raised its ratings for the Authority's existing revenue bonds from BB+ to BBB- with a stable outlook.

Read the entire release

(12/23/08)

Underground Project 95% Complete

2009-01-19T20:20:00.002+10:00

Underground Project 95% Complete

An underground (U/G) line project beginning at the Harmon Substation to the Tanguisson Power Plant is 95 percent complete. The contractor if JB Modern Teach with an estimated project cost of $4 million. The U/G project will provide two protected transmission lines and a fiber optic line directly connecting the Tanguisson Power Plant to the Harmon Substation.

Read the Entire Release

(12/16/08)

GPA to File LEAC Reduction

2009-01-19T20:14:00.002+10:00

The Guam Power Authority will officially file with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to lower the Levelized Energy adjustment Clause (LEAC) to take effect by February 2009. The lower fuel recovery rate will lower the overall residential power bill by approximately 5.8 percent. This means that an average household using 1000 kWh will have their power bill lowered by $13.74.

Read Entire Release

(12/9/08)

New Internal Auditor Appointed

2009-01-19T18:38:00.002+10:00

The Authority welcomed Ms. Angela D. L. Quinto as the Internal Auditor during a GPA Management Meeting Monday, 17 November 2008.

Read the Entire Release

Brown Treesnake Control Report

2008-11-21T12:00:00.000+10:00

The Brown Treesnake Control Annual Progress Report for Guam Power Authority was prepared by the US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services for Fiscal Year 2008.

Downloadable Report

(11/21/08)