GPA Continues Preparation Measures in Anticipation of Tropical Storm Bavi
(Fadian, Mangilao) – As Tropical Storm Bavi is moving west-northwest towards the Marianas, the Guam Power Authority (GPA) continues to prepare the island-wide power system for the potential impacts of tropical storm-force winds. As part of our ongoing storm preparedness protocols, GPA crews are continuing to work to safeguard power plants and substations, ensuring they are fortified against tropical storm conditions.
These preparations include:
- Vegetation Management: Although vegetation clearing is conducted year-round, GPA’s Transmission and Distribution (T&D) teams are giving special attention to areas known for overgrowth, including excessive trees and bamboo, which can pose risks during storms.
- Emergency Staffing: GPA has ensured that appropriate staffing levels are in place to respond to any emergencies, as long as weather conditions permit safe operations.
- Generator Readiness: GPA teams are checking and fueling standby generators, including those for water wells, to ensure they are operational and ready to provide backup power if needed.
- Adequate Inventory: GPA has worked toward increased inventory to ensure that critical materials and supplies are readily available when needed.
We urge all customers to continue to take precautions and safely clear any debris or vegetation around their homes and businesses that could become hazardous during the storm. Outdoor items such as large signage, lawn furniture, canopies, and garbage cans can become projectiles in high winds. Secure all lightweight objects and anchor any items that may become airborne and damage GPA power lines and equipment. Please look around your property, and remove damaged trees and overhanging branches to keep you, your property, and power lines safe.
GPA reminds residents to protect or unplug sensitive electronic equipment to prevent damage due to lightning strikes or power surges. Customers are also advised that if you are experiencing power fluctuations, brownouts, extremely bright lights, dimming/flickering lights, or water coming out of your outlets, turn off your main breaker as you may cause damage to other appliances. Please report any of these power related issues via direct message on GPA’s Facebook page or GPA 24-Hour Trouble Dispatch at 671-475-1472/3/4.
During the storm, GPA will continue to run the island wide power system and keep the power on for as long as possible. Power plants will be operational and T&D line crews will be in the field to address power related issues and restore service throughout the island, until it is determined that conditions are no longer safe for repairs.
Public Considerations & Safety Concerns
Please be advised that power outages and fluctuations are expected during damaging wind conditions. GPA does not intend to shut down the island-wide power system (IWPS). The system runs automatically, and only shuts down power service to residents and businesses when damage has occurred to any of the power circuits (feeders). For safety reasons, the system will shut down automatically.
As power restoration progresses and communications systems are restored, Guam Power Authority’s Automated Meter Infrastructure, or Smart Meter Network, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems will provide detailed information on outage locations. These systems allow GPA to confirm where power has been restored, identify customers still without service, and locate smaller outage pockets within villages.
Because GPA can monitor restoration and identify remaining outages through these systems, residents are asked not to inundate or overwhelm GPA Trouble Dispatch lines with non-emergency power situations or inquiries regarding service restoration.
However, during extreme weather conditions, Trouble Dispatchers will receive calls for emergency power situations such as down energized (sparking) lines, damaged poles or blown transformers. Please stay away from all down lines and equipment as they may still be energized and can cause harm if you come in contact with the lines or equipment. Consider such situations as dangerous and life threatening. If such conditions are present, please immediately report this situation to GPA's 24-Hour Trouble Dispatch at 671-475-1472/3/4 or via direct message on GPA’s Facebook page. Please provide the exact location or address, contact information and condition of location.
Stay informed and prepared by listening to updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) and Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense.
Stay Safe, Guam.
Please visit www.guampowerauthority.com and GPA’s social media pages for more information and more storm preparedness tips.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuamPowerAuthority
Instagram: https://instagram.com/guampowerauthority
“How to Build an Emergency Supply Kit” https://www.facebook.com/reel/3746536755624250
“Storm Preparedness Plan” https://www.facebook.com/reel/894272975934011
For the latest NWS or GHS/OCD advisory information, visit:
- NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/
- NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
- GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
- GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/