The Guam Power Authority is one of seven applicants chosen nationwide by the U.S. Department of Energy to participate in the groundbreaking utility and grid operator technical assistance program.

The innovative program will equip GPA with the expertise and resources to develop reliable, resilient, and secure grids to meet the nation's increasing energy demands and ultimately lower your power bill.

It's welcome news for ratepayers like Yigo resident Joseph Flores who said his power bills have increased by $20 despite the recent rate drop.

“It’s pretty high,” said Flores.

KUAM asked if the amount he stated was normal for him and he said, “No, that’s not normal.”

GPA is seeking technical assistance to support the planning and deployment of vehicle-grid integration technologies or VGI, according to the US DOE.

GPA’s goal is to integrate electric vehicles and deploy chargers while ensuring grid reliability, optimizing energy usage, and delivering sustainable, cost-effective solutions.

For some, it’s a ‘wait and see’ situation as to whether this effort will prove fruitful.

“Do you think this will help you out as a ratepayer,” asked KUAM.

“It might, but we have to see in a trial and see what happens, see if it does good or not,” said Flores.

It’s a boon for others like Dededo resident Sancho Magdia who’s worried about the rising cost of food.

“As long as it were to help people on Guam save money and spend more money on things that matter more, then I think it will be a good thing,” said Magdia.

Meantime, GPA General Manager John Benevente said, “Being chosen for this groundbreaking program underscores gpa's commitment to advancing our island's energy infrastructure…this collaboration will enhance our efforts to deliver more affordable, equitable, and reliable electricity to the people of Guam.”