August 14, 2014
Guam

CCU approves $200K for wind-turbine project

Malorie Paine | Pacific Daily News | Aug. 14, 2014 | www.guampdn.com

The Consolidated Commission on Utilities voted Tuesday night to approve several Guam Power Authority projects.

GPA will be required to pay $200,000 for a wind-turbine tower project that received $1.5 million in federal grant funds. The $1.5 million will cover building costs, but won’t cover connecting the tower to the island’s power system.

“The additional $200,000 from GPA will cover connecting (the tower) to the transmission line that is currently located on the road fronting the property in Cotal,” said GPA spokesman Art Perez. “The grant does not cover the cost for interconnection to the islandwide power system.”

Guam Land Use Commission approved the construction of the tower on June 26, but GPA needed approval from the CCU for the use of the additional $200,000.

Consolidated Utility Services General Manager John Benavente told the commissioners the amount of power that will be generated into the grid by the wind turbine tower will offset the initial cost within two years. Benavente said it is estimated that the turbine tower will pay for itself in fuel recovery costs.
Upgrades in Dededo

GPA also asked the CCU for approval on the upgrade of the Dededo Substation, which will cost $535,000. The project will create an enclosed concrete structure to protect existing equipment and a new transformer. The new transformer will also increase capacity from 22- to 30-megavolt ampere. The transformer will be able to handle larger power needs in the northern part of the island, Perez said.

“The new transformer will also improve reliability as well as reduced maintenance costs,” Perez said. “It will feature new controls and digital equipment versus the existing analog and pneumatic controls.”

CCU approved all the projects GPA presented, and GPA will move forward in generating contracts to get those projects on their way.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/14/ccu-approves-200k-for-wind-turbine-project/