Rolling power outages due to lack of generation capacity on Hawaii Island
(Flashback Jan 14, 2015: HECO Rolling Blackouts Caused by Lack of Wind)
News Release from HELCO, February 20, 2016
Hawai‘i Electric Light is asking Hawai‘i Island customers to conserve electricity use this evening (especially between 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feburary 20, 2016) 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 6-8 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.
UPDATED (8:18 p.m. on 2/20/2016)
HELCO reports all customers have had power restored and no additional outages are planned at this time.
Customers who are having problems with their power service should contact the HELCO trouble line at (808) 969-6666
UPDATED (7:29 p.m. on 2/20/2016)
HELCO reports power outages in the following areas for about 30 minutes:
- Kopua Road to Na Makani Paio Park
- Highway 19 Puueo Paku to Kaupakuea Homestead Road
UPDATED (7:16 p.m. on 2/20/2016)
HELCO reports power outages in the following areas for about 30 minutes:
- Akolea Road to Kaumana City
UPDATED (7:07 p.m. on 2/20/2016)
HELCO reports power outages in the following areas for about 30 minutes:
- Kapoho-Pahoa Road to Vacationland
- Kaohe Homestead Road to Seaview Estates
- Old Mamalahoa Highway to Kona Coffee Villas
- Haawina Road to Kona Hospital Road
- Kanoelehua Avenue
- Shipman Industrial Park to Shipman Ranch
- Aipuni Street to Kilikina Street
UPDATED (6:48 p.m. on 2/20/2016)
HELCO reports power outages in the following areas for about 30 minutes:
- Kaupulehu, Kona
- Kukui Nui Drive to Kolomuio Place
- Hualalai Road to Aloha Kona Drive
- Kanoelehua to Kalanianaole Avenue
UPDATED (6:31 p.m. on 2/20/2016)
HELCO reports power outages in the following areas for about 30 minutes:
- Upper Waiakea Uka from Ainaloa Drive
- Upper West Kawailani Street
- Honaunau to Kealia in South Kona
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Jan 14, 2015: HECO Rolling Blackouts Caused by Lack of Wind