Energy Information

Power Cost and Generation Fleet

Higher prices are a fact of life in Hawaii, and Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative’s rates are no exception. Kaua`i’s location and population size present unique challenges that make generating electricity especially difficult and expensive. The most common comparison people make is to Hawaiian Electric (HECO), but there are several significant differences that must be considered.

HECO serves a much larger population (900,000 versus 65,000) in a much more densely populated area. This gives HECO efficiencies and economies of scale that Kaua`i can’t match. In addition, it is important to consider the source of energy. HECO burns heavier, dirtier and less expensive fuel oil than KIUC. They also purchase power from a coal-fired plant, the least expensive fuel stock available.

KIUC operates an electric generation fleet capable of producing up to 125 megawatts of electricity. The average demand for electricity on KIUC’s system is approximately 75 megawatts. The cooperative is committed to making energy more affordable by increasing its use of renewable energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. KIUC’s strategic plan calls for it to generate 50 percent of its power from renewables by 2023.

In addition to these facilities which are owned and operated by KIUC, the cooperative purchases power from several additional hydro facilities operated by private companies. These facilities have a combined capacity of 7.7 mW.