Guam Power Authority (GPA) Apprentice Darren O. Dunstan Fulfills U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship as Line Installer-Repairer - 03 March 2021 Media Release

 

GPA Net Metering Customer Advisory - 26 February 2021

 

GPA Media Release - GPA Senior-Lien Revenue Bonds Rated BBB and Stable by S&P Global Ratings Credit Agency

 

GPA Media Release - Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause LEAC to Increase for Power Bills Read beginning February 1, 2021 Final v2

 

GPA Online Service Interruption Notice

Re: GPA Online Service Interruption Notice
For Release: On Receipt
End Date: Sunday, 24 January 2021 @ 11:00 AM

GUAM POWER AUTHORITY (GPA) ONLINE SERVICE INTERRUPTION NOTICE

The Guam Power Authority announces that the PayGPA website, GPWA MobileApp, GPA Pay-by-Phone and MyEnergyGuam.com online services will be unavailable:

Sunday, January 24, 2021
From 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM (2 hours)

Customers/users will be unable to log in, access accounts or make payments during this time.

GPA’s online services and IVR phone payments will resume after 11:00 AM. 

GPA’s contractor will be performing electrical building maintenance at the Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Thank you.

 

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Editor’s note: Customers, may view this Online Service Interruption Notice information on GPA’s Facebook page

GPA Media Release Navy Transfer Apra Substation to GPA Released 14 January 2021

 

10TH CONSOLIDATED COMMISSION ON UTILITIES (CCU) SPECIAL MEETING and OATH OF OFFICE CEREMONY FOR REELECTED COMMISSIONERS: JOSEPH T. DUENAS and JUDITH P. GUTHERTZ

 

OUTGOING 35TH GUAM LEGISLATURE TO ARBITRARILY INCREASE POWER RATES; FORCES RATEPAYERS TO SUBSIDIZE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

 OUTGOING 35^TH GUAM LEGISLATURE TO ARBITRARILY INCREASE POWER RATES;

FORCES RATEPAYERS TO SUBSIDIZE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

 (December 09, 2020 – Mangilao, Guam) Senators are in session to consider a number of bills, including Substitute Bill 219-35, which seeks to authorize “The Purchase or Lease-Back of Renewable Energy Purchase of Service for The Department o

f Education, The Guam Academy Charter Schools, The Guam Community College, And The University of Guam,” allowing them to become net-metered customers and sell excess power they produce to GPA at a premium. GPA must pay $0.21 (twenty-one cents) per kilowatt hour, for energy it can produce for $0.09 (nine cents). This would result in higher rates for non-net metering customers.

 “While we support the intent of Bill 219-35 to expand solar energy sources, Bill 219 would have unintended consequences of increase rates for non net-metered customers, including low-income, disadvantaged and other households with no opportunity to be net metering customers,” GPA General Manager John Benavente, P.E. said.

LEGISLATURE’S BILL 219-35 INCREASES RATES TO NON-SOLAR RATEPAYERS;

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS & AGENCIES WOULD BE SUBSIDIZED BY OTHER RATEPAYERS

Bill 219-35 essentially creates a government subsidy for government only educational facilities, creating a revenue shortfall that will increase utility rates for more than 47,000 ratepayers. By providing educational institutions free access and use of the ratepayer’s power grid at no cost, the government is waiving responsibility to repay the millions of dollars borrowed to build, expand and strengthen the island-wide power grid.

While these government agencies and institutions realize savings, it will be at the expense of all non-solar ratepayers in order to meet GPA’s debt obligations and expenses associated with maintaining and upgrading the power grid.

“As the largest renewable energy provider on Guam, we support the expansion of renewable energy usage, but we do not support proposals benefitting a select few at the expense of over 47,000 other customers,” Benavente added.

BILL 219-35 OVERSTEPS PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION AUTHORITY

Bill 219, if passed into law, circumvents the authority of the Public Utilities Commission, whose members are elected by the people, and the transparent process of raising rates established by public law. Bypassing and circumventing the PUC and GPA, the legislature is arbitrarily raising rates, which is setting a dangerous precedent.  This act in itself is a violation of bond covenants, which was previously approved by the legislature and Governor, according to GPA bond counsel Orrick.

“GPA agrees and believes that renewable energy is the key to achieving energy independence and promoting a healthier environment,” General Manager John Benavente, P.E. added. “If we are going to meet our goal of 50% renewable energy by 2035 and 100% renewable energy by 2045, we must do it right and in a responsible manner.”

Please see letter sent by GPA General Manager to the Legislature asking to vote down Substitute Bill 219-35 (COR) and latest legal opinion issued by Government of Guam bond counsel.

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GUAM POWER AUTHORITY AWARDED CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE IN CITIZEN-CENTRIC REPORTING BY AGA

 GUAM POWER AUTHORITY 

AWARDED CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE IN CITIZEN-CENTRIC REPORTING BY AGA

The Guam Power Authority (GPA) proud to announce that GPA is the recipient of the 2019 Association of Government Accountants (AGA) Certificate of Excellence in Citizen-Centric Reporting (CCR). AGA's CCR initiative is intended to simplify communication between governments and their citizens. 

Intended to help citizens better understand the services provided by their governments, CCRs reports are a visually appealing four-page document that includes community information such as population figures, regional characteristics and government goals for the community. Additionally, these reports feature detailed cost and revenue information, performance information for key service areas, and a-ok at “what’s next” in the year ahead.

“In today’s era of tight budgets, choices must be made and governments must be transparent to citizens about their decisions. CCRs are a useful tool in helping Americans become more active and better-informed voters,” said AGA CEO Ann Ebberts. “AGA applauds GPA’s commitment to good government and responsible fiscal action reflected in the CCR they produced on behalf of the citizens of Guam. CCRs help citizens better understand the services provided by their government – and at what cost.” 

As of September 30, 2019, GPA reported $942 million in total assets; $892 million in total liabilities; and annual revenues of $404 million from approximately 51,000 customers. GPA’s 2019 CCR also highlights GPA’s future goals to improve its energy supply for Guam, which will ultimately benefit all customers. The report can be viewed in detail at: 

https://www.guampowerauthority.com/gpa_authority/investors/gpa_financial_statements.php

Since 2007, over 400 CCRS have been created by government agencies, professionals and students. CCRs give government entities an opportunity to demonstrate how tax dollars are spent in a non-technical, visually appealing and succinct format to be easily understood by every citizen. 

Editor’s Note:  About AGA: AGA is the member organization for government financial management professionals. We lead and encourage change that benefits our field and all citizens. Our networking events, professional certification, publications and ongoing education help members build their skills and advance their careers. 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT –Securing Yard/Property Items

RE:                                     PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT – Weather Disturbance

                                           Tropical Depression Atsani 23W

FOR RELEASE:                  ON RECEIPT

END DATE:                       Indefinite

Securing Yard/Property Items

In anticipation of inclement weather forecasts in the coming days including gusty winds, scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms, the Guam Power Authority (GPA) advises all residents to secure items on their properties or yards of items at this time, which may become airborne in high wind conditions. 

 Such items include canopies/tents, patio items, playground items, construction materials etc.  If blown into nearby power lines, these items will damage the lines, cause power outages or even potential life threatening situations if the power line is still energized or “live.”

 If such items are in contact with power lines or equipment, immediately report the situation to GPA's 24-Hour Trouble Dispatch Desk at (671) 475-1472/3/4, or via direct message on GPA’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GuamPowerAuthority).   

 Please provide the exact location or address, contact information and condition of location.  Do not under any circumstance attempt to remove items off power lines or equipment.  Consider all such situations as dangerous and life threatening.

 GPA reminds the public that all fallen or downed power lines should be considered energized or “live” and you should not attempt to make contact with the downed lines to avoid severe injury or death.

# # # 

 

GPA/GWA HAGATNA SATELLITE OFFICE OPEN

 GPA/GWA PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Re:                   GPA/GWA Hagatna Satellite Office in Julale Shopping Center Open

For Release:     On Receipt

End Date:         Indefinite

GPA/GWA HAGATNA SATELLITE OFFICE OPEN

The GPWA Hagatna SatelliteCustomer Service Office is open for business beginning today, Monday, 26 October 2020. 

“Deep sanitizing services were completed to ensure the safety of our employees and our customers,” said GPA General Manager John M. Benavente, P.E., “We continue to provide non-contact services for all customers through GPWA’s Pay by Phone, mobile app, online payment or drop-box payment options.”.

# # # #

GUAM POWER AUTHORITY CONDUCTS CUSTOMER SURVEY

 GUAM POWER AUTHORITY CONDUCTS CUSTOMER SURVEY

Customer Engagement Efforts Survey

The Guam Power Authority(GPA) announces that the research firm Anthology Research, will be conducting a customer survey to gauge the effectiveness of its customer engagement program. The residential customer survey began October 21, 2020. The survey for business customers will begin October 22, 2020. Customers to be surveyed are randomly chosen.

 “We want to ensure our customers are being engaged effectively as we continue to re-focus our efforts on their needs for reliable power service,” General Manager John Benavente, PE said. “It is important that GPA meets or exceeds, the needs of our customers and we also want to ensure we are doing it in a responsible, transparent and cost-effective way.”

The data collected from this survey will be useful for GPA to assess areas in customer services that GPA can improve upon.

Over the next few weeks, customers, chosen at random, will receive a call, text or an email from Anthology Research requesting their participation in the survey. GPA appreciates the willingness and cooperation of the randomly selected customers to provide feedback through the research firm to GPA. All customer information and answers are kept strictly confidential.

Customers can contact GPA at 647-5787 with any questions about the survey.

###

GPA/GWA FADIAN CUSTOMER SERVICES OPEN

GPA/GWA PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Re:                   GPA/GWA Fadian, Mangilao Office & Drive Thru Service Windows Open

For Release:     On Receipt

End Date:         Indefinite

GPA/GWA FADIAN CUSTOMER SERVICES OPEN

The GPWA Customer Service Lobbies and Drive-Thru Service Windows at the Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building in Fadian, Mangilao are open for business beginning today, Thursday, 22 October 2020. 

The Hagåtña Satellite Office in the Julale Shopping Center remains closed until further notice. 

The GPWA Offices and Drive-Thru Service Window in Upper Tumon remains open for all in-person transactions.

“Deep sanitizing services were completed yesterday to ensure the safety of our employees and our customers,” said GPA General Manager John M. Benavente, P.E., “We continue to provide non-contact services for all customers through GPWA’s Pay by Phone, mobile app, online payment or drop-box payment options.”.

# # # #

GUAM POWER AUTHORITY EMPLOYEE TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; CUSTOMER FACING SERVICES SUSPENDED UNTIL OCTOBER 23

 GUAM POWER AUTHORITY EMPLOYEE TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19; CUSTOMER FACING SERVICES SUSPENDED UNTIL OCTOBER 23

Late yesterday evening, the Guam Power Authority (GPA) was informed that an employee assigned to the Customer Service lobby at the Julale Shopping Center in Hagåtña was tested positive for COVID-19. On Monday, October 19, GPA was notified that the individual was experiencing symptoms of illness over the weekend and was tested for COVID-19 later that same day. 

GPA’s pandemic response coordinators have determined that the employee last reported for duty on Friday, October 16 and was not exhibiting signs of illness or symptoms of COVID-19. All personnel who were identified as potential close contacts to the positive employee were placed on voluntary home quarantine. GPA will work with the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and comply with contact tracing and case investigation.

Today, both the GPWA Julale Customer Service Lobby and the GPWA Fadian Customer Service lobby located at the Gloria B. Nelson building in Mangilao as well as the GPWA Fadian Drive thru Payment Window will be closed for deep cleaning and disinfection. GPA and GWA customer services at the Fadian lobby will resume on Friday, October 23. Customer services at the Julale lobby will resume on Monday, October 26.

“The safety of our customers and our employees is paramount,” said GPA General Manager John Benavente, P.E. “We understand that closing the customer facing services may cause some inconvenience, but we are temporarily suspending these services as part of our mitigation strategy to reduce the risk of exposure to everyone in the lobby.  Customers may still conduct GPA business using the contactless services set in place and available to them.”

In March 2020, GPA developed a pandemic coordination team to ensure proper adherence to the latest COVID-19 mitigation strategy and operational guidance DPHSS, the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

GPA reminds the public that cash payments to your account can be processed at the Upper Tumon Drive thru or all Treasurer of Guam locations. Customers are reminded that facemasks must be worn and that proper social distancing must be observed while visiting these locations. If you are feeling ill, you are advised to stay home.  Payments can also be made with a debit card or credit card over the phone by calling GPA at 647-5787 or GWA at 647-7800, or online by visiting www.PayGPA.com or www.PayGWA.com. 

# # # # #

PSA for ower Alerts Welcome Message Advisory

Re:                              Power Alerts Welcome Message Advisory

For Release:               On Receipt

End Date:                  Indefinite

The Guam Power Authority issues an advisory regarding “Welcome” text message from the Authority’s “Power Alerts” applications toll free number (855.252.9998).

Today, 17 September 2020, at approximately 9:00 a.m., GPA’s Power Alerts system sent out an additional “Welcome” text message to customers. After the initial launch, GPA was notified that some local cellular networks became overloaded. GPA worked with local carriers to resolve the issue and will have the system send out the welcome messages again. This will ensure every customer receives it and is able to interact with the Authority via Power Alerts.

If you already received the “Welcome” text message, you may ignore it as you are already enrolled.  If this is the first time you are receiving it, please confirm your service address by following the steps indicated on your mobile phone.  It is recommended that you save the toll free number (855.252.9998) as “Power Alerts” on your mobile device

For more information, visit PowerAlerts.guampowerauthority.com or call GPA Customer Service at 647-5787/8/9.

# # # #

GPA LAUNCHES TWO-WAY SMS OUTAGE INFORMATION SYSTEM

 

GPA LAUNCHES TWO-WAY SMS OUTAGE INFORMATION SYSTEM

GPA Power Alerts puts Power in your Hands

The Guam Power Authority officially launched its Two-Way Mobile SMS Outage Information System, Power Alerts. Power Alerts is a mobile short messaging platform GPA will use to keep customers informed of any scheduled or unscheduled outages.

“We are making more investments into energy solutions to be more efficient, save our customers money and keep the community informed of issues affecting power services,” John Benavente, P.E., GPA General Manager said, “Power Alerts will help reduce the high call volume we receive at our dispatch center and ensure customers have immediate access to information of any outage affecting them, 24 hours a day. This will also assist in fast tracking reported outages, enabling GPA to respond quicker and more efficiently with the necessary resources.”

If your mobile number is connected to any active power account, you are automatically enrolled in    Power Alerts. The text messages will be sent from the toll-free number, 1-855-252-9998. If you want to confirm or update your mobile number, visit PayGPA.com or contact customer service at 647-5787.

With GPA Power Alerts, customers are able to:

Receive information about a scheduled or unscheduled outage. Report an outage affecting your home or business. Report private account streetlights that are out.

“The roll out of Power Alerts today is significant and exciting, not only because of the capabilities it offers customers, but because of what it means overall to GPA and to the community,” Benavente added, “GPA continues to evolve and focus on the needs of our customers. This ensures we are actively engaging you and meeting those needs by providing resources and programs to help save on energy costs.”

For more information about GPA Power Alerts visit GuamPowerAuthority.com. To change your mobile number or update your account information, log-on to PayGPA.com. For help enrolling with Power Alerts, call 647-5787 or email PowerAlerts@gpagwa.com. To report an outage, text OUT to GPA Power Alerts at toll free number 1 (855) 252-9998*.

*MSG and data rates may apply. Text QUIT to unsubscribe.

UPDATE: GUAM POWER AUTHORITY AND GUAM WATERWORKS AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES SERVICE OPTIONS August 31 – September 30, 2020

Re: GPA and GWA Customer Service Options\

For Release: On Receipt

End Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2020

GUAM POWER AUTHORITY AND GUAM WATERWORKS AUTHORITY

ANNOUNCES SERVICE OPTIONS

August 31 – September 30, 2020

 The Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority provide essential, continuous electrical power and water infrastructure service that are critical to our island. GPA and GWA will ensure continuity of essential electric and water/wastewater services during the mandated shutdown for all our customers and will continue to remain open with some limitations.

GPA and GWA remain committed to protect the safety of all employees, ratepayers and the general public.  

Customer Service Lobbies

GPA and GWA Customer Service Lobbies at Fadian, Mangilao (Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.) and the Julale Shopping Center in Hagåtña (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.) will reopen for cashiering and critical customer services on Monday, August 31, 2020. The Customer Service Lobby in Upper Tumon (Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.) will be open to help customers but onsite payment can only be made using the drive through option.

Customer and payment call centers and payment drive‐through services will continue.

“As our island recovers from this pandemic, we continue to follow strict guidelines intended to keep our employees and our customers safe, most especially as the Authority continues business,” stated John M. Benavente, P.E. GPA General Manager, “Our online and telephone services offer customers added convenience to conduct their utility business within the safety of their homes.”

Various options for account inquiries and contacting GPA and GWA at this time: 

1.     Online Services:  GPA and GWA online services can help customers monitor their energy and water consumption and view their account information details.  Review or verify your account information and payment: paygpa.com and paygwa.com, or the mobile GPWA app.

                         GPA

a. Applications and supporting documents for new power accounts can be emailed to customersfirst@gpagwa.com. Business customers can email requests and documents to businessfirst@gpagwa.com. GPA will prioritize processing of these requests on a case-by-case basis according to needs and resources.

b.   Live chat with a Customer Service Representative via Direct Message (DM) on Facebook.

c.  Monitor your household energy consumption: myenergyguam.com. Every customer can take charge and control their energy consumption to save energy at home during at this time.

GWA

Questions, applications and supporting documents can be emailed to customers@guamwaterworks.org.

2.     Telephone Services:

a.      Customer service representatives are available via telephone to discuss account information or to assist with payment arrangements.

GPA

a.      To speak with a Customer Service Representative, call 647-5787, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.

b.     To make a payment over the phone, call Pay by Phone at 647-5787 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., An automated attendant via GPA’s Interactive Voice Response (IVR) line at 648-3000 and/or 1(855) 977-2002 is available to receive phone payments after hours.

GWA

a.      To speak with a Customer Service Representative, call 647-7800/7803, Monday through Friday from 6:30a.m. through 6 p.m. or

b.     Call GWA at 647-4PAY (4729) through a secure automated payment system available 24/7, or speak to a live customer service representative Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3.     Payment Drop Box (checks only):

Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building, 688 Route 15, Fadian, Mangilao (along back road to Andersen); and the GPWA Upper Tumon location (behind GTA), 578 N. Marine Corps Drive. Check payments can be dropped off anytime.

4.     Cash Payments:

Cash payments are accepted at: Customer Service Lobbies at the Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building in Fadian, Mangilao (Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.), and the Hagåtña Satellite Office at the Julale Shopping Center (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.)

    a.      Drive-Through Payment Windows - Upper Tumon (6:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday) and Fadian, Mangilao (8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday – Friday). Customers utilizing the drive-through payment windows are reminded to utilize face masks when conducting payment transactions.

5.     Payments may also be made at all local banks (subject to their payment policies) and all Treasurer of Guam locations

6.     Mail-in Payment(s):  GPA Send to: P.O. Box 21868, Guam Main Facility, Guam 96921 or to GWA at P.O. Box 3010, Hagåtña, GU 96932

7.     Permits, Inspections & Engineering: 

GPA. Inspections for new power service and installations are accepted on a case-by-case basis until further notice.  Inspections already in process and scheduled will be completed.  Please have all required documents completed upon submittal. You may send your email to jacosta@gpagwa.com or vsablan@gpagwa.com.

GWA. Inspections for new water/sewer service and installations can be scheduled by appointment. Customers can make inquiries by calling 300-6058 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. or email permits@guamwaterworks.org

8.     Trouble Calls/Emergencies/Service Interruptions.

GPA 24/7 Trouble Dispatcher at 475-1472/3/4.

GWA 24/7 Emergency Dispatchers at 646-4211.

# # #

UPDATE: GUAM POWER AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES CUSTOMER SERVICE OPTIONS PER EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-28

UPDATE FOR GUAM POWER AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES CUSTOMER SERVICE OPTIONS PER EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-28

Cash Payments Drive Thru locations:

Cash payments at the Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building Fadian, Mangilao drive-thru payment windows will close beginning at 12 noon today, 24 August 2020. Closure will continue for the until further notice.  Customers may utilize other service options.

Options for account inquiries and contacting GPA:

1.       Trouble Calls/Emergencies/Power Service Interruptions

For all power service interruptions and power emergencies, customers should call GPA’s 24/7 Trouble Dispatchers at 475-1472/3/4.

2.       GPA Customer Service Call Center Services

Customer service representatives are available via telephone to discuss account information or to assist with payment arrangements. Please contact GPA Customer Service by calling 647-5787, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., via email at customersfirst@gpagwa.com, or by Direct Message (DM) on Facebook.

All customer communications are monitored and GPA will work with all customers on a case-by-case basis regarding their accounts.

To make a GPA payment over the phone, please contact GPA Pay By Phone at 647-5787 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., An automated attendant via GPA’s Interactive Voice Response (IVR) line at 648-3000 and/or 1(855) 977-2002 is available to receive phone payments after hours.

Applications and supporting documents for new power accounts can be emailed to customersfirst@gpagwa.com for residential customers and businessfirst@gpagwa.com for commercial customer.  GPA will prioritize processing of these requests on a case-by-case basis according to needs, resources and within the latest safety guidelines as per the Department of Public Health.

3.       GPA Permits and Inspections

Documents for GPA review and approval must be fully completed and can be deposited into a designated drop box at GPA’s Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building, 688 Route 15, Fadian, Mangilao (along back road to Andersen) or via email communication. Those inspections already scheduled for during this shutdown will be handled on a case by case basis.

GPA will prioritize processing of these requests on according to needs and available resources, and will respond to applicants directly.  All plans must be provided with a customer contact name, phone number and/or email address for proper coordination.

4.       Power Bill Payments/Disconnections

The temporary suspension of GPA account disconnections due to non-payment continues.  Every customer's situation is different. We will work with each customer to examine their past payment performance, ability to pay, consumption patterns, etc.

5.       Payment Drop Boxes (checks only): 

Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building, 688 Route 15, Fadian, Mangilao (along back road to Andersen); and the GPWA Upper Tumon location (behind GTA), 578 N. Marine Corps Drive. Check payments can be dropped off anytime.

6.       Mail-in payment(s):

Send to: P.O. Box 21868, Guam Main Facility, Guam 96921

7.       GPA’s Online Services

·       GPA’s online services can help customers monitor their energy consumption and view their power account information details.

·       Review or verify your account information and payment: paygpa.com, or the mobile GPWA app

·       Monitor your household energy consumption: myenergyguam.com. Every customer can take charge and control their energy consumption.