Joint Region Marianas and GPA tie up for energy solutions in Guam

ASAN, Guam—Joint Region Marianas and the Guam Power Authority are partnering to address ongoing challenges with the islandwide power generation situation in Guam.

“We remain committed to energy solutions for our island community,” said Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, Joint Region Marianas commander. “This partnership is at the heart of our One Guam philosophy.”

The Department of Defense’s primary provider of electricity on Guam is GPA. However, during islandwide emergencies, such as the generation shortfall experienced last month, JRM installations activate backup emergency generators to support military assets and infrastructure, alleviating demand from the islandwide grid and enabling GPA to focus on providing power to the community.

“We share a long history of working with GPA for the betterment of the islandwide power system,” said Capt. Stephanie Jones, Joint Region Marianas regional engineer. “We have mutual interests to ensure stable and sufficient electricity for military readiness and civilian requirements.”

When fully capable, the Orote Power Plant on Naval Base Guam may provide up to 19.8 megawatts of electric requirement for NBG. Backup generators on Naval Computer Telecommunications Station may provide its full electric requirement of 3.4 megawatts; and on Andersen Air Force Base, building emergency generators may provide up to three megawatts in support of the installation’s requirement.

“We are working closely with all of our federal and private-sector partners to resolve this islandwide power shortage,” said John M. Benavente, P.E. GPA general manager. “This close collaboration demonstrates the success of our partnership and enhances our efforts to identify utility solutions for our community today and into the future.”

Additionally, NBG Public Works Office provided demineralized water to the Cabras 1 boilers Sept. 18, which according to GPA, helped speed up the process of bringing that power plant back online.

Military and GPA leaders, meanwhile, highly encourage consumers to adopt more aggressive conservation measures during these challenging times.

“We are in the midst of Energy Action Month,” said Jones. “This is a great time to encourage everyone to do their part. Turn off lights, cooling units and appliances when not in use; every little bit helps. When we minimize use we are decreasing demand and this will make a difference.”