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Guam Power Authority Breaks Ground on $45M Substation

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. r-authority-breaks-ground-on-45m-substation.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 0:59 GMT by Pacific Daily News
      Locales: Guam, UNITED STATES

By [Your Name] - Pacific Daily News

GHURA, Guam - Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 - The Guam Power Authority (GPA) today marked a significant step towards modernizing the island's power grid with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new substation in Ghura, Talofofo. The $45 million project, slated for completion in late 2027 or early 2028, promises to bolster power reliability and prepare Guam for increasing energy demands, particularly in the historically vulnerable southern region.

The ceremony, held at the project site off Route 8, was attended by Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, GPA General Manager John Benavente, and GPA Board Chairwoman Corinne Rae, underscoring the importance of this investment to the island's future.

For years, residents of southern Guam have experienced a disproportionately high number of power outages. This is largely attributable to an aging infrastructure coupled with the geographical challenges of serving a region further removed from the island's primary power generation facilities. The existing grid in the south has struggled to maintain consistent service, especially during peak demand or adverse weather conditions. This new substation directly addresses these longstanding issues.

"This is a critical investment in addressing the past shortcomings," stated GPA General Manager John Benavente. "The Ghura substation isn't just about adding capacity; it's about building a more robust and resilient power system for all of Guam, but especially for our communities in the south."

The Ghura substation represents a shift towards a more future-proof energy infrastructure. While traditional substations simply transmit power, this new facility will incorporate modern technologies, most notably battery energy storage. This component is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows the substation to smooth out fluctuations in power supply, preventing voltage dips and surges that can damage equipment and cause outages. Secondly, battery storage enables the substation to respond quickly to sudden increases in demand, reducing the risk of overload. Finally, and increasingly important, it allows for the integration of renewable energy sources. As Guam pursues its goals for cleaner energy, intermittent sources like solar and wind require storage solutions to ensure consistent power delivery.

The $45 million price tag reflects this commitment to advanced technology. The project is being funded through a combination of federal grants, loans, and revenue bonds, demonstrating a collaborative approach to infrastructure development. The availability of federal funding is particularly important, recognizing the challenges faced by island communities in maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure. The GPA has been actively pursuing federal opportunities to accelerate these improvements.

Beyond the Ghura substation, GPA officials have indicated this is just one of several projects underway to overhaul Guam's aging power infrastructure. These projects are essential not only for improving reliability but also for supporting the island's economic growth. Reliable power is a fundamental requirement for businesses, tourism, and everyday life. Frequent outages disrupt commerce, impact productivity, and diminish the quality of life for residents.

The anticipated completion date of late 2027/early 2028 positions the substation to come online as Guam's energy needs are projected to increase. Population growth, coupled with increased economic activity, will place greater demands on the power grid. The Ghura substation is designed to meet these future demands while also laying the groundwork for the integration of more renewable energy sources. The GPA is actively exploring various renewable energy options and this new substation's built-in storage capacity will prove vital.

Residents in the Talofofo area can expect some temporary disruptions during construction, but GPA officials have pledged to minimize these impacts and keep the community informed throughout the process. The long-term benefits, however, are expected to far outweigh any short-term inconvenience. The Ghura substation represents a tangible commitment to a more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy future for Guam.