As a nonprofit cooperative, KIUC is owned by its members and focuses on serving the island rather than turning a profit for shareholders. Its members elect the cooperative’s board of directors each year.

Hee served as one of the utility’s first elected directors in 2003, shortly after KIUC was formed. As its current CEO, he said the most important task for him and his team is to work closely with the board, since they are his team’s direct link to the members they serve.

At the end of last year, KIUC’s board finished a strategic plan that commits to increasing the island’s power supply from renewable energy sources to roughly 50% in 15 years. The plan will also reduce Kauai’s greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels.

Hee explained that the cooperative is pursuing a wide array of power options to reduce the island’s dependency on liquid petroleum fuel. He noted that shortly after the board’s decision, the state of Hawaii launched the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, with the goal of achieving 70% clean energy by the year 2030.

“We are pleased that our goals dovetail so nicely with those of the state and federal governments,” said Hee. “Kauai has grown a great deal since 1990. This is an imposing challenge for us, but we are optimistic that our plan for diversified energy sources will work.”

The options
Hee’s sunny attitude does not hide his respect for the challenges facing the cooperative. “We have several options, but implementing them will take time and careful planning,” he said.

KIUC is investigating the feasibility of wind turbines, but that initiative has slowed down because of the possibility turbines could interfere with the several endangered bird species that live on the island.

Hydroelectric and biomass are promising alternatives. Hee reported that KIUC is looking into using the waste from a tree farm operation on the island and upgrading a few hydroelectric plants. Bringing the once profitable sugar cane industry back to Kauai could be another option.

All of the options are costly, and Hee pointed out that size is relative: KIUC’s largest alternative initiatives are considered small projects on the mainland. For example, the island’s largest hydroelectric facility produces a maximum of 4 MW.

What if you can’t use the tax credits?
Retired, lost your job, or had major losses in the stock market and can’t use the solar tax credits? No problem. In July both the State and Fed incentives were initiated just for you. If you own a business you can take the 30% Fed incentive as a check in the mail (Grant) within 60 days of installing your system. The State, regardless of whether you install a system on your home or business will give you a 24.5% rebate check!

Is solar technology ready for mainstream?
Technological advances have significantly improved the quality and efficiency of solar electric equipment. There are no moving parts to wear out. Prices have never been lower and manufacture warranties ensure that your system will last at least 20 years!

Is solar a good investment?
Last year on Kauai we were paying almost $0.50 per kilowatt. Electricity rates are on the rise again. However, even at current rates the money you will save on electricity will likely provide you a double digit return on your money for 20 years or more! Call us for a free solar investment evaluation.

Is solar good for the environment?
You betcha! On Kauai 92% of our electricity is generated from fossil fuel (diesel). The average household switching to PV power saves burning over 9 barrels of oil per year. This saves over 4 metric tons of green house gas put into the atmosphere each year!

*Subject to factors such as cost of finance and tax rate of system owner.