CONSERVATION ALERT: Hawaiian Electric asks Oahu customers to reduce evening power use

Humidity, fewer generators prompt call for conservation  

(Chart above shows the wind generation is down to zero.  Then that pesky Sun thingy went and set on us.  No solar.)

News Release from HECO

HONOLULU, Nov. 1, 2018 – Hawaiian Electric is asking Oahu customers to conserve electricity use this evening, especially between 5 and 8 p.m.

Currently, Hawaiian Electric expects to have enough generating capacity available to meet the early evening peak demand; conservation by the public can help ensure sufficient power is available to meet that demand. Suggested steps include turning off or reducing use of lights and air conditioners, delaying hot showers, laundry and dishwashing and minimizing cooking until after 8 p.m.

The need to conserve was prompted by the humid weather, which is driving demand for electricity, and the unexpected partial loss of output from several generating units, in addition to several units being offline for maintenance.

We thank our customers for their patience. We understand the evening hours are an especially inconvenient time to cut back on electricity and we appreciate everyone's help.

Hawaiian Electric has asked larger commercial customers to voluntarily reduce electricity usage. System operators will also work on further reducing the demand for power by activating Hawaiian Electric's demand response programs. These voluntary programs help lower the overall use of electricity by reducing the energy output of certain appliances or equipment, such as water heaters and air conditioners, for participating residential customers and non-essential lighting and heating or cooling systems for participating commercial customers.