From power costs to liquid oxygen, Guam sees challenges
According to a March 17 release, John M. Benavente, general manager of the Guam Power Authority, has recommended maintaining the current Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause through the remainder of the current review period, which runs from Jan. 1 through July 31, as the utility continues monitoring global fuel market volatility following the geopolitical conflict between the United States and Iran.
“A key factor helping to protect Guam customers from the full impact of global fuel volatility is the 198-megawatt Ukudu Power Plant, which came fully online in late December,” GPA said, due to Ukudu’s use of less fuel.
“Under current projections, an average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month could see increases ranging from about $11 to $39 under modeled fuel price scenarios, depending on how global fuel markets evolve, GPA said. It further said that Ukudu is reducing the potential of global fuel spikes by half.
GPA recommended maintaining the current LEAC rate despite fuel price spikes due to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Photo from Journal files
In other news, the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority announced March 17 it is “taking precautionary steps to conserve oxygen following an islandwide disruption in liquid oxygen supply.”
The island’s primary supplier is currently experiencing an equipment issue, affecting oxygen availability across Guam, GMH said.
“As a precaution, GMHA is now taking steps to ensure its supply remains stable,” the hospital said.
The Guam Memorial Hospital. Photo courtesy GMH
As part of these measures, GMH said it is managing oxygen use and temporarily rescheduling elective surgeries to prioritize patients who need oxygen the most.
The Guam Regional Medical City said all core critical and emergency services are operational and it is taking "several precautionary measures" to minimize disruptions in service.
These include the temporary suspension of hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to its high oxygen usage, though GRMC said additional oxygen shipments are expected soon.
"GRMC's supplier is making steady progress in restoring full production capacity to support consistent supply," GRMC said.
Naval Hospital Guam has not announced a shortage.
Island Equipment is a supplier of liquid oxygen.
In the Northern Mariana Islands, it’s a different picture.
“The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. is aware of reports regarding medical oxygen supply disruptions in Guam and would like to reassure the CNMI community that our operations remain stable,” the CHC said in a March 18 release.
“CHCC does not rely on liquid oxygen systems. Instead, our facility utilizes an on-site oxygen generator system (PSA/concentrator), which continues to function normally. In addition, our oxygen cylinder refilling station is fully operational, allowing us to maintain a steady and reliable supply for patient care,” CHCC said. mbj
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