by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The Public Utilities Commission confirmed the increase in the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause by 13% following last week's special meeting. PUC legal counsel Fred Horecky tells KUAM News that the commissioners considered the LEAC further and following a recommendation confirmed the fuel charge increase affective August 1

Horecky adds the PUC approved the Guam Power Authority's request to modify the calculation of certain charges of its fuel suppliers from per barrel amount to a metric ton calculation. However, the PUC did defer action on the Guam Power Authority's petition for the review and approval of a proposed $2.5 million settlement with the Department of Administration for the payment in lieu of taxes mandate.

Said Horecky, "So the Commission felt rather than addressing these issues now they should be addressed with the rate case when the Commission can more fully look into the issues and determine whether those surcharges should be granted." He added that because GPA is in the process of filing a new rate case to increase the power rate case and the navy was not formally brought into the proceedings, the PUC opted for deferment until further notice.