Full commissioning on the new Ukudu Power Plant, originally expected by September 30, may now be pushed back. Best-case scenario, it could happen by November 30, or possibly as late as December 31.

At a Guam Power Authority work session Thursday morning, general manager John Benavente updated that Combustion Turbine Number Three failed on August 21. He noted there is an action plan in place, including shipping the generator rotor via air freight to Sweden for repair.

In the meantime, Benavente says GPA is working on an agreement that would allow Ukudu to operate at about two-thirds capacity—around 120 megawatts—at no cost to GPA.

Benavente added that negotiations are ongoing with the focus on savings and protecting ratepayers.

He said, “I don’t want the people of Guam to be anxious. My point is that they will get it fixed, we will get to commissioning, we will be into the saving spirit and the like, if they don’t, they’ll pay the price with the performance, right? So, I will prefer that the CCU at least agree, and I can proceed to the PUC.”

 “That’s why I’m trying to negotiate this upfront so we can both have the opportunity to save ratepayers money for GUP and Doosan in good faith show their commitment to help the people of Guam and get this thing done.”

In the meantime, the general manager hopes to get updates as early as Tuesday.