The Guam Power Authority has mobilized its first wave of personnel to Saipan to assist the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation with power restoration following widespread damage caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, GPA announced Sunday.
A six-member forward team arrived in Saipan last weekend to assess damage and develop a recovery plan for a service region stretching from the Capitol Hill area to Kagman/Laulau Bay. The team began removing and replacing damaged poles using CUC equipment to initiate restoration of a main feeder line and laterals serving critical infrastructure ahead of a larger crew's arrival.
GPA's full restoration plan, approved by CUC, calls for approximately 55 professional and technical personnel including line crews, equipment operators, substation electricians, relay technicians, safety officers and engineers. Eight bucket trucks, utility trucks, step vans, tools and power inventory supplies are being coordinated for ocean transport to Saipan.
GPA estimates it will substantially complete restoration work in its assigned area within two to three months, depending on material availability.
"Our thoughts are with our neighbors in the CNMI during this challenging time," said GPA General Manager John Benavente. "We are fully committed to supporting their recovery and stand ready to assist with professionalism and experience to help restore life-critical power and water services."
Benavente noted that GPA and CUC crews have worked together before, including after Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018 and when CUC deployed to Guam following Typhoon Mawar in 2023.
