[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6512888,"mediaKeyId","5083773-ea85916904e21d7a095853dd00886c14","parentId",5083773,"title","PUC approves May 29 minutes; discusses new office RFQ and proposal to hire in‑house counsel","audioSeconds",4444,"startMs",28000,"endMs",4472000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083773-ea85916904e21d7a095853dd00886c14&start=28&end=4472","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083773-ea85916904e21d7a095853dd00886c14/thumbnail_28000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6512888/PUC-approves-May-29-minutes-discusses-new-office-RFQ-and-proposal-to-hire-inhouse-counsel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512888-0aa668f83e689bcc4c56a8053c714710/orig.mp4?Expires=1775415719&Signature=K8ddVji80wgkuiSqgMtK4XHtx~S9S90dRbQ2eBfretKrlnCKtZF6nauKngDlLgvlA-n5QO01rnBPaz61j6SQ6sQy~Lj3ExMOQJ4b-r2dBCBJiTkQ6mCOZc7QEqOkXHu~d6H7H1zUYfCv0CENI5l6CEq5e6-v6jdqgkS4Sv3w4slueyX-u~RJQgGitU84mJSK7UpPUV9~KCGxhE9ChHlMm5lF1qgu3JRzcCk-L3Fus6iD79D3jVXAb2L9oqFCo4mqw9rHWM9BRpEtRUSoQfGNpET3X2hF0APPDcnJ-95TPvqQ4VdgTbv4UizNcMVajRU0O6hUlpXByZXaqmD5Up2tog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Guam Public Utilities Commission","date","2025-06-27T01:23:06Z","article","The Guam Public Utilities Commission opened its June 26, 2025 regular meeting by approving the minutes of the May 29, 2025 meeting. A motion “to approve subject to corrections” was made and, after a second, commissioners voted “aye” and the motion passed unanimously; the transcript records the motion maker identified as “Pete” and the second as “Joe.”

The commission then discussed several administrative items: a draft request for quotations (RFQ) for new PUC office space, and a proposed resolution to procure an in‑house counsel position to handle ongoing regulatory, legislative and administrative work.

Office RFQ: a staff presenter reviewed a draft RFQ modeled in part on a recent Chamorro Land Trust Commission solicitation. The draft requests a minimum of 1,500 square feet of office space in a central corridor (Agana, Tamuning, Tumon, Mangilao/Hagatña area as described in the transcript), backup generator availability, at least five parking stalls and a small conference room. The presenter and commissioners discussed whether the space must be contiguous, potential landlord renovation costs, geographic limits, the number of vendors to solicit (the draft contemplated sending the RFQ to multiple potential vendors rather than broad public advertisement) and procurement protest risk under PUC guidelines. The presenter noted the PUC’s current premises are “about 987” (unit not specified in the transcript) and said the RFQ minimum was intended to provide a modest increase in usable space.

In‑house counsel proposal: the Administrative Law Judge outlined a proposal to authorize procurement of an in‑house counsel position to provide dedicated legal support for regulatory dockets, legislative monitoring and routine legal needs. The ALJ said the PUC’s workload has grown (multiple pending rate cases and true‑up proceedings) and that an in‑house counsel could provide ongoing review of legislative bills and routine legal tasks. The ALJ suggested a mid‑six‑figure salary estimate (roughly $150,000) as a planning figure for budgeting and said the position would be procured under PUC professional‑services procurement rules (the ALJ described the draft procurement procedures and said the PUC administrator would conduct the solicitation). The ALJ also referenced past in‑house arrangements dating to former ALJ Harry Bursell as background on options for staffing and compensation.

What the record shows about action: the minutes of May 29 were approved unanimously on the record. The RFQ and the in‑house counsel procurement were discussed and the ALJ reported having prepared a position description and procurement framework; the transcript does not record a Commission vote authorizing issuance of the RFQ or a formal vote to begin procurement of in‑house counsel within the provided excerpt.

Next steps: staff and the PUC administrator were asked to refine the RFQ and procurement documents; if the Commission authorizes solicitations in a future session, the PUC’s procurement rules would govern vendor selection and allow for negotiation with the most qualified proposer as provided in the adopted procedures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Guam PUC Meeting 06/26/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its June 26 meeting the PUC unanimously approved the May 29 minutes and discussed a draft RFQ for new office space (minimum 1,500 square feet specified) and a resolution to procure an in‑house counsel position; no final procurement decisions or hiring actions are recorded in the transcript.","taxTitle","Guam Public Utilities Commission, Agencies, Executive , Guam, International","taxId",18960,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6512893,"ALJ backs single six‑month LIAC cut; MCG recommends 15.5495¢/kWh for Aug 1, 2025–Jan 31, 2026",814,3003000,3817000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083773-ea85916904e21d7a095853dd00886c14&start=3003&end=3817","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083773-ea85916904e21d7a095853dd00886c14/thumbnail_3003000.jpg","/articles/6512893/ALJ-backs-single-sixmonth-LIAC-cut-MCG-recommends-155495kWh-for-Aug-1-2025Jan-31-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512893-51a995464b4a62b6fc2f861caaca376b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775415719&Signature=kcMT75LMAK8qCyyviVk2Pd3HlDjRC7-K5V3PwI6OSCP3G6O3klKZG5lHLmv2-ncHCbB5Z0YBeBIe6hmvcNpXFUpb1-nrqSMi4BoBK7h4CV1iPWs9P71sWFg~imxMq~-gXTMvhZ~w33eRUKnnP2Cia2SkC9GiHdQdeVSXVMTehD3HZCuDblxAoOHctGLTSgENhAZO1uPBCPbpCeSqwH2G1oNEost9Z-getqQdEkG7~OV15QbVVsEcaRiNLRGzsgxCMPS0HCT9lulenTUo3MsAnuL6Yksmlxf7lF9xeXcIw90OIP3OSsTJs3elkQR0hH0B5BNp3sqTAhL9TnyAS65XIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An Administrative Law Judge recommended June 26 that the Guam Public Utilities Commission adopt Marianas Consulting Group’s (MCG) recommendation to set a single Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LIAC) factor of 15.5495¢ per kilowatt‑hour for the six‑month period Aug. 1, 2025 through Jan. 31, 2026.

The ALJ said MCG concluded a single six‑month LIAC is more consistent with Tariff Schedule Z and PUC practice than the two‑step approach requested by Guam Power Authority (GPA). The ALJ reported MCG’s calculation would reduce the LIAC by about 25.53 percent and lower the overall electricity bill for an average residential customer (1,000 kWh per month) by approximately 17.40 percent.

Why it matters: LIAC adjustments directly affect retail electricity bills. GPA proposed a two‑step reduction (an initial drop in August followed by a larger drop in September) citing further fuel‑price decreases and the expected availability of a new combined‑cycle plant to reduce fuel use. MCG and the ALJ urged a single, levelized semiannual factor to match the tariff’s mechanics and to avoid multiple interim rates within the same semiannual period.

Facts in the record: GPA petitioned to reduce LIAC from 20.8802¢/kWh to 18.8781¢/kWh for Aug. 1–Aug. 31, 2025, and then to 13.584¢/kWh for Sept. 1, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026. MCG, using updated fuel‑price projections (Morgan Stanley data cited on the record), recommended the single factor of 15.5495¢/kWh for the full six months. The ALJ noted fuel prices used by GPA at filing were lower than a later five‑day average submitted before the meeting (the Morgan Stanley Singapore 10 ppm price cited on record rose from about $77 per barrel at filing to about $87 per barrel in the more recent period), which supported a more conservative single semiannual factor.

GPA’s position: GPA representatives told the commission they supported the recommended reduction overall and emphasized that the coming combined‑cycle plant (referred to in filings and discussion as the Okudu project) is expected to lower fuel consumption when fully operational. GPA said it will continue marketing and other measures aimed at lowering financing and operating costs.

Process and safeguards: The ALJ and MCG emphasized that Tariff Schedule Z contemplates one LIAC factor set for each six‑month period and that the tariff includes a mechanism allowing GPA to seek an adjustment if there is an over‑recovery (the ALJ noted an established remedy exists for significant over‑ or under‑recovery and that GPA can petition for a change if large variances appear).

Action on the record: the ALJ recommended the PUC adopt MCG’s factor of 15.5495¢/kWh for Aug. 1, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026. The transcript records GPA’s support for the recommendation but does not record a Commission vote or final order adopting the ALJ/MCG recommendation in the provided excerpt.","PUC Administrative Law Judge and Marianas Consulting Group recommended the PUC set a single Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LIAC) factor of 15.5495¢ per kWh for Aug. 1, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026; GPA supports the reduction but had proposed a two‑step approach. No final Commission vote appears in the provided transcript.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6512896,"PUC review finds GWA bond issuance justified; ALJ recommends approval of up to $350 million",2930,55000,2985000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083773-ea85916904e21d7a095853dd00886c14&start=55&end=2985","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083773-ea85916904e21d7a095853dd00886c14/thumbnail_55000.jpg","/articles/6512896/PUC-review-finds-GWA-bond-issuance-justified-ALJ-recommends-approval-of-up-to-350-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512896-ac9cf1643724d887751dfd8de3233ec4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775415719&Signature=OncuFRPS~EX8nRfyJo9xb1iRi3tyLrjFVusR4Brw-7kBJzDUdSOmyEEnWX4m-eVHx9wQA0bM6YQF4QWlU736WOhsdxELs7iC3p~XMfJmt9f5mTZvyqaRFZf6uuHHjY5tyKW-1cur6wL1uKg1ooevKxPG-2s-1mwCNM-3EYtdT8JkyxBrX8uFRv~w6NADsEjuAelHVX359bB9sCjNdMG-sDyRtsHRVW1V~jJTkfVbS6kBvfjiUpKjXxLMftt7H-v-prx0bvtWOtV9T8ns67y9YZecA1ATyEqVljP6t1SydsQFKSqzOZ~1Z5YE06xyiTRDvnRflXsh-DJvxKVesMmvGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Guam Public Utilities Commission on June 26, 2025 heard an administrative-law-judge (ALJ) report recommending approval of the Guam Water Works Authority’s petition to issue and sell Series 2025A water and wastewater revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $350,000,000.

The ALJ told commissioners the petition (filed June 6, 2025, as GWA Docket No. 2508) seeks bond proceeds to fund capital projects in GWA’s 2025–2029 capital investment program and to meet upgrades and treatment system requirements tied to federal and local environmental obligations, including projects required under court orders and a partial consent decree. The ALJ said Georgetown Consulting Group’s independent review (June 14 report) concluded “the bond should be approved” and that the petition aligns with the PUC’s previously approved five‑year financing plan (PUC docket 2405).

Why it matters: GWA’s capital plan includes wastewater and water‑loss control projects the ALJ and consultants described as necessary for regulatory compliance and system reliability. The bond proceeds would fund projects such as gravity‑main and force‑main replacements, pumping station upgrades, water production and treatment projects, and water‑loss control efforts tied to district metered areas.

Key details from the ALJ’s presentation: the petition asks authority to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $350 million, though underwriter materials cited a preliminary par amount near $268.2 million with a premium that brings the estimated initial proceeds near $274.9 million. The ALJ reported an “all‑in” total interest cost (TIC) estimate of about 5.14 percent, projected total debt service over the average life (about 20.6 years) of roughly $554.9 million, and an average annual debt‑service burden of about $18.5 million. The ALJ also said the proposed bonds include an interest‑only period for the first five years (deferred principal), and that approximately $250 million would be placed in the project fund with roughly $19.6 million proposed for a debt‑service reserve fund.

Legal and institutional context: the ALJ cited Public Law 37‑103 as the legislative authorization under which the bonds may be issued (the law previously authorized GWA revenue bonds up to a larger aggregate amount). The Guam Consolidated Commission on Utilities (CCU) adopted a related resolution authorizing issuance of water and wastewater bonds in amounts not to exceed $350,000,000; the ALJ also noted GEDA (Guam Economic Development Authority) board resolution 2509 (June 19) approving issuance and sale of the bonds as required for the financing plan.

Issues and conditions raised in discussion: the ALJ and participants addressed market timing and interest‑rate risk (noting volatile markets and the potential for basis‑point movements that could change the final principal issued), the appropriateness of the five‑year interest‑only structure, and the mechanics of two supplemental indentures (an eleventh and a twelfth supplemental indenture) that would update the 2005 bond indenture. The twelfth supplemental indenture, the ALJ said, contains substantial updates (including references to newer financing programs and a change that would reduce the required reserve from 100 percent to 50 percent of maximum annual debt service), and will not bind existing bondholders until the required approval threshold (60 percent of outstanding bondholders) is reached.

Participants and responses: GWA representatives (including Teresa Rojas, named in the transcript) and bond counsel (identified in the record as Mr. Wang of Orrick) responded to commission questions; BBMR representative Lester Carlson told the ALJ that market timing appears reasonable and that the triple tax‑exempt status should help pricing. The ALJ said he requested clarifying meetings with GWA, GEDA, BBMR and bond counsel before making his recommendation.

What the record shows about action: the ALJ recommended that the PUC approve the petition and the bond documents (preliminary official statement, purchase agreement, disclosure agreement, and the eleventh and twelfth supplemental indentures), but the provided transcript does not record a Commission vote on that recommendation or a final order adopting the ALJ’s recommendation. The ALJ also asked that, upon completion of the issuance, GWA provide the PUC with the final total interest cost and other transactional outcomes as part of the Commission’s contract‑review protocol.

Brief background: the ALJ’s presentation referenced the PUC’s September 2024 rate decision in Docket 2405 approving a five‑year capital investment program (2024–2029) that the ALJ said estimated $899 million for the five years and placed this bond issuance within that financing framework.

Next steps: the record in the transcript shows detailed review and a formal ALJ recommendation; the transcript does not include the Commission’s final vote or an adoption order. The PUC and GWA are to complete the bond issuance process, and the ALJ directed that GWA provide post‑issuance disclosures when the sale is completed.","The Administrative Law Judge recommended the Guam Public Utilities Commission approve Guam Water Works Authority's petition to issue Water and Wastewater Series 2025A revenue bonds, citing compliance with prior PUC financial plans and consultant support; no final commission vote is recorded in the provided transcript.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

PUC approves May 29 minutes; discusses new office RFQ and proposal to hire in‑house counsel

ALJ backs single six‑month LIAC cut; MCG recommends 15.5495¢/kWh for Aug 1, 2025–Jan 31, 2026

PUC review finds GWA bond issuance justified; ALJ recommends approval of up to $350 million