Ray Paler 1. What is your position on the use of coal for electricity generation on Kaua‘i? Using coal for electricity generation is not on my list as a preferred venue. If it becomes a choice then something drastic must
Ray Paler
1. What is your position on the use of coal for electricity generation on Kaua‘i?
Using coal for electricity generation is not on my list as a preferred venue. If it becomes a choice then something drastic must have happened for it to become part of my list.
2. How, in your opinion, do we find the balance between short term electricity costs and moving towards clean, renewable energy?
Through utilizing Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with KIUC partners in power generation we can manage the short term cost of power. While these PPA’s are in the works or in place we then can be moving towards the venue of clean renewable energy that makes the best sense for KIUC and our members.
3. Assuming no regulatory barriers, how far do you believe the CO-OP should go in helping the community achieve greater energy self sufficiency?
Even if there are no regulatory barriers, a reasonable approach should be implemented through providing education, resources, and financial options. We have to be mindful that whatever is implemented has a financial factor in the equation.
4. What creative strategies can KIUC employ in working with the County and the community to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of electricity for domestic hot water heating? What creative strategies can KIUC employ in working with the County and the community to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of electricity for domestic hot water heating?
KIUC currently has a Solar Hot Water Heater program in place where financing is available for purchase of units through a financial institution. KIUC also rebates $800 to each member who participates in the program. The participant is also able to claim a tax credit with the State of Hawaii.
5. Do you support the continued use of purchase power agreements for all new renewable energy projects undertaken by the CO-OP?
If the Power Purchase Agreements make business sense for the Co-op, then I will support them. There‘s no “one size fits all” and each Power Purchase Agreement has to be weighed individually by it’s own merits.
6. What is your position on distributed generation, and on KIUC’s role in helping shape a more distributed system of electricity generation in the future?
If Distributed Generation (DG) makes economic sense for a member or a member’s business then it should be implemented by them. KIUC’s role would then be one of support as KIUC will have to be ready to provide DG systems with standby and back up generation, if and when they need power. The shaping of the distributed system would be dictated by certain users who could make the financial commitment to their DG.
