Hawai‘i Island customers asked to conserve power
HILO, Feb. 20, 2016 (5:30 p.m.) – Hawai‘i Electric Light is asking Hawai‘i Island customers to conserve electricity use this evening (especially between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.) due to the unavailability of three major generators: Hawai‘i Electric Light’s CT4 and CT5 at its Keahole power plant, and Hamakua Energy Partners’ steam turbine unit. In addition, wind resources are presently at zero.
As a precaution, to ensure sufficient power is available to meet the early evening peak demand for electricity, Hawai‘i Electric Light is asking all customers to conserve energy. The time between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. is especially critical when customer usage normally climbs due to early evening cooking, bathing and other activities.
Suggested steps include: turning off or lessening use of air conditioners, delaying hot showers and dishwashing activities, delaying oven and dryer use, and minimizing cooking until later in the evening.
Hawai‘i Electric Light is working on repairs to the two Keahole combustion turbine units. Half-hour power outages may be implemented around the island to maintain system stability this evening.
“We understand the evening hours are an especially inconvenient time to cut back on electricity. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation,” said Rhea Lee-Moku, Hawai‘i Electric Light spokeswoman.