GPA’s First Wave Team for CUC post-typhoon Sinlaku restoration efforts. (Photo courtesy of Guam Power Authority)
(Fadian, Mangilao) – This weekend, the first wave of Guam Power Authority’s (GPA) skilled professional personnel was mobilized to assist the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) with power restoration efforts on Saipan following widespread damage to its island-wide power system (IWPS) caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. CUC requested GPA’s support in restoring power to a large service region stretching from Capitol Hill area to Kagman/Laulau Bay.
Last weekend, GPA’s six-member forward team arrived in Saipan and has been on the ground working to assess the extensive damage and develop a recovery plan. These seasoned power professionals immediately began coordination with CUC team to develop the scope of work and evaluate the damaged area. This included identifying equipment and material requirements for the assigned area and local availability of these items to support GPA crews once they arrive. At the CUC’s request, the team began removing and replacing damaged poles using CUC equipment vendors to initiate restoration of a main feeder line and laterals, serving critical infrastructure in anticipation of the GPA restoration team’s arrival.
GPA’s restoration plan, as approved by the CUC, includes about 55 professional and technical personnel to perform the recovery work in GPA’s assigned area. GPA line crews, equipment operators, substation electricians, relay technicians, generation and water system diesel personnel, safety officers, mechanics, and engineers will work in coordination with CUC employees.
GPA’s First Wave Team for CUC post-typhoon Sinlaku restoration efforts. (Photo courtesy of Guam Power Authority)
Additionally, heavy equipment and vehicles including 8 bucket trucks, utility trucks, and step vans, tools, and power inventory supplies are being coordinated for ocean transport to Saipan to support the restoration effort. GPA estimates to substantially complete restoration work in its assigned area within two to three months, depending on material availability.
“Our thoughts are with our neighbors in the CNMI during this challenging time. We are fully committed to supporting their recovery and stand ready to assist with professionalism and experience to help restore life-critical power and water services,” said GPA General Manager John M. Benavente, P.E. “CUC and GPA personnel have worked side by side before, including during the restoration of Saipan’s power system following Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, as well as in 2023 when CUC crews deployed to Guam to assist after Typhoon Mawar. We continue to build on that shared experience as we respond once again,” added Benavente.
GPA acknowledges and thanks the dedication of its teams both on Guam and in Saipan, whose rapid mobilization reflects the agency’s commitment to mutual aid assistance for our neighboring islands during disaster recovery.
