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(Fadian, Guam) – Last night, the Consolidated Commission on Utilities (CCU) approved two projects, potentially adding up to 54 MW of energy to Guam’s power grid over the next 6 to 9 months. GPA is also anticipating the return to service of the typhoon-damaged 20 MW Yigo Combustion turbine in March 2024. This will add about 74 MW to the island-wide power system.
This strategic move aligns with GPA's commitment to reducing the risk of load shedding and eliminating the need for increased costs. The addition of capacity will result in fuel savings over time, which can be passed on to ratepayers. This initiative serves as a crucial bridge to the commissioning of the Ukudu Power Plant anticipated around September 2025.
GPA Resolution No. FY2024-16 addresses the urgent need for additional power capacity due to damages sustained by Yigo CT and the Ukudu Power Plant Project during Typhoon Mawar. This resulted in a reduction of 20 MW to GPA’s reserve capacity and a significant delay to the Ukudu Power Plant Commercial Online Date (COD).
GPA, recognizing the necessity and urgency, solicited for emergency temporary power. Aggreko was selected as the most qualified and responsive vendor, with negotiations completed for contracting 20 MW of temporary power within 100-days. Additionally, GPA negotiated the assessment and repair of up to 18 Yigo Diesel units to restore an additional 12-14 MW of capacity at the Yigo Diesel site.
GPA Resolution No. FY2024-11 emphasizes the importance of Yigo Diesel units as an essential part of GPA’s generation capacity until the commissioning and operation of the Ukudu Power Plant by September 2025. These units have declined in capacity due to required repairs or replacement, hindered by procurement protests.
To address this, GPA has identified an alternate site adjacent to the Tenjo Vista Power Plant to place up to 20 MW of additional capacity, since the area has access to transmission lines which can accommodate an additional 20 MW of power to export to the grid to serve the southern villages and Naval Station Guam. This project includes relocating, installing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining these units. The estimated cost for capacity restoration is $5 to $7 million, with annual operating costs of $2-3 million.
General Manager John M. Benavente, P.E., stated, "We are pleased to see the CCU’s endorsement for our short term projects, which are crucial in addressing the challenges affecting power generation on Guam. We will continue to find innovative solutions to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply for our community as we bridge the gap to the commissioning of the Ukudu Power Plant. We appreciate the continued understanding and cooperation of our customers as we work towards a brighter energy future for Guam."
GPA encourages customers to implement energy conservation plans in their homes and businesses. For more information, please visit our website at www.guampowerauthority.com and follow our social media pages.
