• Reading analog KIUC meters • Flat tire affair turns out fine • Too much spending on smart meter vote • Be glad you have options • Modern technology will benefit members Reading analog KIUC meters At around 3 p.m.
• Reading analog KIUC meters • Flat tire affair turns out fine • Too much spending on smart meter vote • Be glad you have options • Modern technology will benefit members
Reading analog KIUC meters
At around 3 p.m. today, I went outside and read my KIUC analog meter. I read 553.10. Now, I could put this reading in an envelope and mail it in to KIUC.
My cost: 44-cent “forever” stamp. On an annual basis, my cost would be $5.28. Plus envelopes. Of course, KIUC would like an annual audit. So I would be happy for paying that audit.
I have had this same analog meter since post Iniki, so it is 20 years old. I don’t think I need a special assessment to “visit” this old reliable meter.
Why not make this personal reading an option for the analog meter users? Sorry that several jobs will go away.
With due respect.
Alan Faye
Princeville
Flat tire affair turns out fine
Thank you, Westsiders!
At 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon my car died at Salt Pond Beach Park and I’d forgotten to bring my cellphone to call for help. But because of the aloha of Westsiders, my car and I got home safely that night. There was the young father who loaned me his cellphone, even though he was busy getting his two little boys ready for their first time fishing; David, who tried to start my car with jumper cables — twice — and loaned me his cellphone to call the tow truck; Ikaika, who, while I was waiting, told me how to protect my little dog from a pit bull attack; and the tow-truck operator, Arthur, who kept me laughing during the hour-long ride back to Koloa with stories of his family’s recent vacation. Their aloha turned what could have been a miserable experience into one that welcomed me as part of Kauai’s ohana.
Eve Powers
Koloa
Too much spending on smart meter vote
It’s wonderful that KIUC is so concerned that we make the right decision about the charges for people who opted out of smart meters. We get ads via radio and newspapers so those not so smart will wise up and vote yes, so they can be assured that they are voting the right way. We are told — right in the article on the front page of your newspaper — that KIUC is “moving monies” to pay for these ads.
KIUC was smart too — the ballot does not tell us what voting no will mean, that way we won’t be confused about what to do. And thanks for the post cards too — to 30,000 customers who might have missed the many full-page ads and radio announcements.
Over the years there have been many letters written to this paper about the free rice parties, free tote bags, the calendars and magazines which KIUC supplies to each co-owner — and the costs for all these. We must be wrong in thinking KIUC should discontinue any of these due to their costs.
I decided to do a little research about the cost effectiveness of the smart meter program. Seems like there are some questions now in Europe — Germany had Ernst & Young evaluate the program in 2013 — conclusion was that they were great for industrial users, who could shift their heavy use to off-peak rated hours. Not so good for the household consumer, since turning off refrigerator and freezer during those hours cannot be done. Now that the smart meters are here, peak-hour rates can begin at any time. And Ireland did a 2013 study too — “Whilst the Smart Grid can achieve the goal of making Ireland’s electrical supply more efficient and environmentally friendly, there could be a significant loss resulting from its installation.”
Health reasons and privacy issues are certainly important parts of this picture. There’s plenty of information out there, and checking which sources you use can give you a fuller picture.
Maybe the smart folks will end up paying less by paying more? Time will tell.
Bob and Marylou Bradley
Lihue
Be glad you have options
My family and I are visiting Kauai from Victoria B.C., Canada. I have been reading all the points of view on smart meters. We have them where we live as well and it was installed without us having a say in it.
We were never given the opportunity to vote on anything .
We were informed of two options.
1. Pay $35 per month if you have the old meter and have it read.
2. Pay a $100 one-time fee plus $20 per month to have it turned on once a month to be read.
Because we already have one at our home, the conclusion for myself is to not sleep near it or stand beside it.
I am glad the residents of Kauai are being given the chance to have a vote.
Lily M. Lynn
Victoria B.C.
Modern technology will benefit members
When I was first elected to the KIUC Board four years ago, I had three key goals for the utility: lower rates for our members, reliable electrical service, cutting our use of oil by bringing energy production home through renewables.
Our rates are stable and we expect them to drop. KIUC’s reliability is better than the statewide average. And in 2013 we used 1.4 million fewer gallons of fossil fuel than in 2010 as we move aggressively on solar and biomass that’s cheaper than oil.
Our smart grid improves reliability, supports renewables and helps cut our oil addiction. Expanding our use of modern technologies like smart meters will increase the improvement.
Some of our members have asked not to have smart meters, and they have asked that all members pay the cost to read their old-style meters. Our current rate structure requires that those with non-standard meters pay to read them.
Members will get a ballot this week, asking whether that’s appropriate.
Please vote when you receive your ballot, and please vote yes.
Jan TenBruggencate
KIUC board of directors
