HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Residents can file a claim with the Guam Power Authority if their property is damaged as a result of load shedding, according to Attorney General Douglas Moylan.
“With the constant reenergizing of Guam’s power grid, aka load shedding, unstable power surges and fluctuations can damage electrical and electronic equipment. Guam law requires GPA pay when power surges, voltages, fluctuations or frequency fluctuations damage your property,” Moylan stated in a press release issued Tuesday.
He further explained that a claim can be filed within 90 days of the damage. GPA customers can find claim forms and information on filing claims at the Guam Power Authority website, under “file a damage claim” after clicking on the website’s menu button.
“We suggest that you get a stamped-received copy from GPA, or acknowledged reply if emailed. GPA is not liable in the event that your equipment is defective or your home or business has electrical problems that were the cause of the damages. Your obtaining a writing from a qualified service tech is important in order to support your claim, showing GPA was the proximate cause for the damage,” Moylan stated in the release.
Additionally, the AG advised the community of the harm load shedding can cause in terms of food refrigeration, especially for the holiday season.
“Perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, mayonnaise, fish, milk and soft cheeses are the most susceptible to spoilage and food safety concerns. Spoiled foods can lead to food poisoning,” said Moylan, who suggested consumers should refrain from opening refrigerators in the event of continuous load shedding.
Moylan said, “It is important to know your rights and to understand how unreliable power will detrimentally affect yours and your family’s welfare.”
In addition to the attorney general’s statement, Sen. William Parkinson published a release stating that GPA should be held responsible for damage caused to appliances due to inconsistent power reliability.
He cited Public Law 22-21, which holds GPA liable for damage that occurs in electrical appliances and devices when “proximately” caused by power surges or other issues in the power supply.
“GPA says they set aside $11 million to pay these claims. Well, let’s see it. All of that money should be paid out to customers who have had air conditioners and other electrical appliances break. GPA shouldn’t be holding on to that money. This fiasco is their liability under the law,” Parkinson stated in the release.
The release states that the senator requested claims records from GPA over the last five years and has asked that GPA’s customer service centers have dedicated representatives to assist customers in filling claims, as the customers have only 90 days from the time of damage to submit claims.
Parkinson also will hold town hall meetings in villages to help power customers file claims, according to the release.
Customers are seen lining up at the Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority satellite office at the Julale Shopping Center in Hagåtña on June 20, 2022.
