KIUC Continues to Lead State in Renewable Generation

News release from KIUC

June 3, 2024 – For the fifth straight year, Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) leads the State of Hawaiʻi in renewable generation, achieving 57.9% renewable for 2023.  This puts KIUC well ahead of the State of Hawaiʻi requirement of 40% by 2030, to be achieved by each electric utility as established by HRS § 269-92(a), as amended.

“In addition to leading the state in renewables, we are proud to have recorded the lowest residential rates for all the islands since May 2022. Our high percentage of renewables has contributed significantly to the stabilization of our rates even during times of significant increases in oil pricing,” stated KIUC’s President and Chief Executive Officer David Bissell. KIUC’s current strategic goal of reaching 100% renewable by 2033 is over a decade ahead of the state goal by 2045.

The 57.9% for 2023 was reported to the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in KIUC’s annual renewable portfolio standards (RPS) filing.  Solar contributed 38.1% of KIUC’s generation in 2023. Almost one-third of the solar production came from members’ rooftop systems. Other renewables contributing in 2023 were hydropower (12%) and biomass (7.8%).

During 2023 KIUC began using biodiesel to enhance its renewable portfolio. “Biodiesel can contribute to grid stability when we’re operating on a high percentage of solar,” said KIUC’s Chief of Operations Brad Rockwell. “However, biodiesel is presently more expensive than most other renewable sources, so we’ll use it sparingly and strategically for the time being.”

More information on KIUC’s strategic goals can be found on the cooperative’s website: www.kiuc.coop/strategic-plan.

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The 20 megawatt AES Lāwa’i solar plus storage facility is the largest renewable generating source on Kaua’i

The Tesla facility in Kapaia was the first utility-scale solar plus storage project in the world when it opened in March 2017

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A pie chart shows KIUC's fuel mix for 2023

KIUC rates compared to other islands 2021-2024 (source: Cleantechnica)