Guam Power Authority customers could see a significant jump in their monthly electric bills this summer after the Consolidated Commission on Utilities Tuesday approved a recommended fuel surcharge increase now awaiting final approval from the Public Utilities Commission.
If the PUC signs off, the average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would pay approximately $58 more each month beginning July 1 — an increase tied entirely to rising global fuel costs.
The proposed adjustment would raise GPA's Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause, commonly known as the fuel recovery charge, from roughly 13.6 cents per kilowatt-hour to 19.4 cents — a jump of 5.8 cents.
GPA General Manager John M. Benavente acknowledged the burden the increase would place on households.
"We understand that customers are concerned about any increase to their monthly bills," Benavente said.
The utility has held the fuel surcharge steady since March despite fuel shipment costs that doubled between March and April — from $26 million to $54 million. GPA's next anticipated shipment is projected at approximately $44 million, or around $168 per barrel.
To help offset the added cost, GPA recommends customers set air conditioners between 75°F and 77°F, use ceiling fans, install water heater timers, and monitor usage at MyEnergyGuam.com.
The PUC has not yet scheduled a hearing on the proposal.