GPA General Manager Reports on OT

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Guam Power Authority General Manager Joaquin Flores spoke before the Consolidated Commission on Utilities Tuesday evening to address concerns that have been raised regarding the controls and management practices associated with personnel. Specifically, Flores delivered a report on GPA's overtime expenses as related to overall personnel expenses. Appearing before Commissioners, he said that although personnel expenses have been substantially below mandated CCU budget standards for three years, overtime has been higher than estimated in the past. Flores added however that OT was still below targeted budgets. "As a 24/7 utility, emergencies, weather events, equipment failures, and repairs will necessitate the use of overtime," Flores explained. He added that over the last few years overtime, in excess of what was budgeted, has created the impression that overtime was not being controlled. He said that was not the case and that unforeseen factors, major repairs on an aging system, and a conscientious effort to stay within personnel budget levels have required an increase in overtime.

Flores also told Commissioners that plans for improving overtime expenditures have been in place for some time and that they were now finally realizing the benefits. Those plans include new recruitment and promotions from within which he said are seeing gains.