Departments - Across the Nation
Energy policy goals of Hawaii
2/15/2010
Hawaii’s goals are to ensure dependable, efficient and economical energy; increase energy self-sufficiency; have greater energy security; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Two windmills in a field on the coast of Kona, Hawaii. Photo by ©iStockphoto.com/ Gene FournierThe state of Hawaii is accomplishing many of the goals set in their policy statement. These goals are being met thru the use of alternative energies such as wind, water, and solar. A perfect example of this can be seen in the U.S. Department of Energy’s issuance of $48 million in federal stimulus money to two Hawaiin alternative energy companies, Clear Fuel Technology and UOP LLC of Kapolei. Clear Fuels Technology will receive $23 million to invest in integrated bio-refinery facilities on the main island of Hawaii in 2011. Kapolei Integrated Bio-refinery project will receive up to $25 million in economic stimulus funding to help build and operate a pilot facility. These additional funds will help create more than 600 jobs on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii.
The state of Hawaii has received more than $54 million in grants by the U.S. Government to help with programs such as the State Energy Program ($25.9M), EE Conservation Block Grant Program ($15M) and the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program ($5.3M).
There is also the use of wave energy technology. Oceanlinx Hawaii LLC, a subsidiary of Oceanlinx Ltd., submitted paper work in June of 2009 to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting a permit to place three 100ft platforms in the ocean. These platforms are to be located one-half to three-quarters of a mile off the coast of Maui.
Once the electricity is captured, it will be sent through an undersea cable to a substation tied to the electrical grid, where the electric company will pay for the service at a per hour rate. This should provide service to nearly 2,000 customers on the island of Maui, with operation to begin in 2011.
The three power companies, Hawaii Electric, Hawaii Light, and Maui Electric formed a division to deal with rebates from the newly formed Utility Rebate Program – under one division makes it much easier for the state to operate their incentive program. This program offers rebates ranging from adding energy efficient window film to adding or replacing Pulse-Start metal halide lamps.
Hawaii Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Light companies are encouraging homeowners to install solar water heating systems through a program that awards cash rebates to help defray installation costs. Customers who also qualified for state and federal tax credits are able to dramatically lower solar water heating installation costs. The Hawaiin utilities led one of the largest and most successful solar water heating programs in the nation. In 2009, the company achieved a milestone 50,000 solar water heating installations before the program transitioned to a Public Benefits Fund administrator selected by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Results were:
- 90% of solar water heating systems owners said their systems perform as well as expected or better
- 83% of solar water heating system owners said their utility bill savings met or exceeded expectations
To go along with the federal tax credit of $5,000 for a single-family residence, and up to $500,000 for commercial applications for those that install photovoltaic panels as their primary source of energy, the state of Hawaii offers an additional tax credit of 30% to those who qualify. hawaiienergy.org