Two financial relief measures went into effect June 1, 2023 for Guam Power Authority rate payers. First, the reduction in fuel costs will mean the average ratepayer will save $87 a month. Second, the legislature’s extension of Prugramman Ayuda Para I Taotao-ta Energy Credit will mean a discount of $100 every month for five months, which started in May.
See the news release from GPA, with answers to frequently asked questions that follow:
As Guam residents continue to recover from the devastation of Typhoon Mawar, Guam Power Authority (GPA) personnel can be seen in bucket trucks across the island replacing transformers, crossarms, wires and other hardware as they restore power. In addition to reenergizing our homes and businesses, GPA is also delivering much-needed relief for ratepayers.
GPA announced the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause, the fuel surcharge known as LEAC went into effect on June 1, 2023, approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The savings equates to an estimated 21.01% decrease, a savings of about $87.43 per month, for the average residential power bill of customers who utilize 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month. The savings will apply for all meters read as of June 1, 2023 through January 31, 2024.
“GPA thanks the PUC and CCU for their support in decreasing the LEAC. This decrease comes at an essential time for our customers, who are recovering after Super Typhoon Mawar and are in much need of financial relief,” GPA General Manager John Benavente said.
Additional reprieve for ratepayers’ pocketbooks has arrived with the passage of Public Law 37-16, which extends the energy credit program. The third round of the $500 Prugråman Ayuda Para I Taotao-ta Energy Credit will be applied for the months of May through September 2023 to all active GPA accounts. The first $100 credit was applied toward the May billing and an additional $100 is currently being applied for the June billing.
“We thank Speaker Terlaje and Senator San Agustin for introducing the bill, along with the 37th Guam Legislature and Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero who made this second extension possible for the people of Guam. Coupled with the decrease of about 27% in the LEAC our customers will be able to save significantly on their power bills in the months ahead. We’ve all been through so much adversity in the last few years and our people need a break. We are happy to deliver the great news today,” GPA General Manager John Benavente stated.
All credits for May have been applied. Additionally, customers who received their power bill prior to the June credit of $100 being applied can check their GPA accounts at paygpa.com. Customers whose bills were printed and sent after the credit was applied will see the credit on their statements.
Have more questions? Read our FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Public Law 37-16 provide ratepayers?
Public Law 37-16 provides for an extension of the Prugråman Ayuda Para I Taotao-ta Energy Credit Program, providing residential, master-meter residential, and commercial customers with a $500 credit toward their account. The credits are disbursed $100 each month for the months of May through September 2023, and shall only be credited to the current billing of such months.
How soon will GPA apply the $100 credit to each ratepayer account?
To ensure accountability and transparency, GPA and DOA have established and continue to refine program rules and guidelines to properly credit ratepayers. Credits are applied upon receipt of funds from the Department of Administration. The credit will apply as long as the customer has an active account. The credit will be visible as a line item on each customer’s billing statement.
How will this credit be applied for multi-dwelling units?
The law states that for master-metered accounts, GPA shall obtain a notarized list of the number of active residential utility power sub-accounts under that master meter to ensure the proper application of the credit to the master-metered account. A notification will be sent out to master-metered accounts. Property management companies will have to certify the number of tenants with active residential accounts for each monthly billing cycle to get the credit.
Will I still be eligible for the credit, if I terminate my account any time within the 5 months stated in the public law?
If you terminate anytime within the 5 months, you’ll only receive the $100 credit for the months your account was active.
How will the credits be applied if I am a pre-paid customer?
For prepaid customers, the credit will be applied each month to active prepaid accounts.
Are Net Metering Customers eligible?
Yes, Net Metering customers are eligible.
What happens if my power bill falls below $100 in any of the 5 months provided under this program?
The credits will be applied each month, and any credits remaining will roll-over to the following month(s) until exhausted.
How do I know if the Energy Credit has been applied to my bill?
Your total amount due is true and correct as of your bill date shown in the Service Information box on your billing statement. Prugråman Ayuda Para I Taotao-ta Energy Credits are applied at the end of the month. There are multiple billing cycles throughout the month. Energy Credits applied after your bill date may not be reflected on your current month’s printed bill statement. If you make your payment online (paygpa.com or GPWA pay app) or by phone, you may see “Arrears” and “Adjustment” equal to the Energy Credit on the following month’s billing statement. Be assured, your Energy Credit is applied to your account.
