The Hawaiian Electric Company has submitted a new 2,200 page plan to the state Public Utilities Commission, outlining their goals and plans for the next five years. Older, less efficient power plants, like the one near Aloha Tower Market Place in downtown Honolulu, will be deactivated and only used in the event of an emergency. The Hawaiian Electric Company also plans to use more renewable energy on its grid systems and will be converting all of their customers to smart meters. A smart meter would alert HECO if there is a power outage and allow also customers to control their household appliances remotely, potential saving energy and maintenance cost. Also in the plan is a request for the Public Utilities Commission to fast-track five solar and wind energy projects on Oahu. If approved and constructed, these five projects would add 64 megawatts of generating capacity to the island and cost about a third of the price to currently generate the same amount of electricity. Vice president of energy resources and operations, Scott Seu, stated, "This planning includes the most meaningful promises we can make for our customers. None of us is satisfied with the status quo. These commitments to action will move us to a clearer, more secure and affordable energy future."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-3-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
