Guam Power Authority moves forward with undergrounding power lines
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The Guam Power Authority has received the greenlight to solicit construction
services for a $3.9 million project to convert a portion of its overhead distribution lines to underground power lines.
The Consolidated Commission on Utilities on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing the procurement for the undergrounding of distribitions lines that power up eight active Guam Waterworks Authority water wells in Dededo.
The project is part of GPA's Grid Resiliency Plan to build a more resilient power system protected from weather-related damage and mitigate service disruption.
"The storms we've experienced this year have required significant time, manpower, equipment, and materials to repair damaged overhead power lines,"
said John M. Benavente, GPA general manager.
The plan prioritizes undergrounding and strengthening of power lines serving water and wastewater systems, medical facilities, communications infrastructure and other critical areas.
"When power to water wells is lost, water service can be disrupted, affecting
the health and safety of our communities. Putting these lines underground will help reduce that risk and allow our crews to focus on restoring power to other customers," Benavente said.
Unlike overhead lines, underground power lines are less vulnerable to high
winds, falling trees, and flying debris that can cause widespread outages during typhoons.
The Dededo project is 62-percent funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy under its Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program.
The grant covers $2.45 million, while GPA will contribute $1.5 million through equipment, materials and labor.
The project involves placing a portion of the feeder underground,
installing new electrical infrastructure and adding a recloser to improve reliability during storms.
"This is a starting point," Benavente said. "We want to continue looking at ways to protect the remaining water wells and eventually extend these improvements to other critical facilities throughout Guam."
Under the approved resolution, GPA will seek Public Utilities Commission approval of the project's bid documents before proceeding with procurement.
Construction is expected to be completed within 580 days following issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
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