The Ukudu Power Plant is back online for testing — and could hit full capacity at points this week, according to an update to the Consolidated Commission on Utilities. Officials from the Guam Power Authority say the 198-megawatt plant has been pushed as high as 208 megawatts during testing, and as low as 65.

But they “were able to survive,” calling that good news as the facility edges closer to full activation.

If all goes as planned, Ukudu may operate at its full load whenever possible — though not yet for a 24-hour cycle. Once fully online, Ukudu alone is expected to meet more than two-thirds of Guam’s power demand.

Meanwhile, work continues on Gas Turbine 3, which left the island for repairs in September — a failure that delayed Ukudu’s September 30 activation deadline. GPA is still targeting December 31 for full commissioning.

The delays come with a price tag: GPA says it will lose nearly $13 million in expected revenue, spend over $23 million more on fuel, and must keep the 50-year-old Cabras 1 and 2 plants running until may. The CCU approved a $1.4 million contract extension to keep Cabras operating.

And there’s federal pressure — the USEPA has issued a notice to GPA for missing the September activation date. If Cabras isn’t shut down by March 30, 2026, GPA could face fines. The authority is now seeking EPA approval to formally set Ukudu’s commissioning date as December 31 and extend the deadline.