The Guam Power Authority is being recognized nationally for putting safety first, earning a top honor from the American Public Power Association.

GPA received the Diamond Safety Award for Utilities with between 250,000 to 999,999 worker-hours.

Over 200 utilities competed for this year's awards, which are judged on OSHA-standard incident rates and overall safety programs.

GPA Safety Manager Kenneth Gutierrez called the award a reflection of the agency’s commitment to employee well-being. 

General Manager John Benavente also praised the team for ensuring that everyone goes home safe each day.

“GPA is proud of its safety record,” said Benavente. “This diamond award is a testament to the hard work that goes into ensuring that our team members go home safe to their families every day.”

“Harnessing electricity to keep our communities powered is vital work that can be dangerous, even deadly, if the proper attention isn’t paid to tried-and-true safety practices,” said Jon Beasley, Chair of APPA’s Safety Committee and Vice-President of Electric Cities of GA. “This award honors utilities that hold fast to these practices and – in doing so – put the safety of their personnel and their customers above all else.”