A generator trip at the Port Allen Power Plant caused power outages in Kalaheo, Lawa‘i, ‘Oma‘o, Koloa, Lihu‘e, Anahola, Princeville and Hanalei yesterday around 11:17 a.m. According to a statement, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative is investigating the cause of the
A generator trip at the Port Allen Power Plant caused power outages in Kalaheo, Lawa‘i, ‘Oma‘o, Koloa, Lihu‘e, Anahola, Princeville and Hanalei yesterday around 11:17 a.m.
According to a statement, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative is investigating the cause of the trip.
By noon, backup generators were started, including the one that caused the event, and power to customers was restored.
“Because we were able to start (that generator) up again, we were able to determine that it wasn’t anything major,” CEO and President Randy Hee said.
Hee noted that KIUC is currently looking into the next increment of generation, with a focus on increasing the efficiency of fuel usage as well as being able to add units quickly to meet demand.
Aging equipment was discussed last month at the KIUC board of directors meeting. In light of some equipment failures, a board member asked Hee about a long-term plan to replace and maintain older equipment, emphasizing that installation of new generators can take years.
Hee responded at the June 26 meeting that many of the malfunctions were unpredictable events but that KIUC was looking into long-range goals.
There were four reportable outages in May, bringing the year-to-date total to 24.
