LIHU’E — Lihu’e Plantation’s main power-generating unit came back on line Monday after mechanical problems forced a shut-down in mid-February. The company produces power for Kauai Electric loads using bagasse, a by-product of sugar cane. At least three times during
LIHU’E — Lihu’e Plantation’s main power-generating unit came back on line
Monday after mechanical problems forced a shut-down in mid-February.
The
company produces power for Kauai Electric loads using bagasse, a by-product of
sugar cane.
At least three times during the shut-down, KE asked LP, which
is owned by Amfac Sugar Kauai, to suspend normal operations at the sugar plant
so KE would have enough power for the rest of its customers.
Only the LP
boiler was kept going during those peak periods between 6 and 9 p.m., said Lyle
Tabata, Amfac Sugar Kaua’i vice president and manager.
With ample supplies
of bagasse from Amfac Sugar Kaua’i’s Eastside (LP) and Westside (Kekaha Sugar
Company) operations, plus additional loads being delivered from Gay &
Robinson’s sugar operations, the LP mill has been cranking out power this week
for KE’s loads.
With the LP mill back on line, KE will soon begin an
overhaul of one of its main power-generating units at Port Allen.
Amfac
Sugar Kaua’i has insurance that will provide the company some reimbursement for
the electric bills it racked up with KE as a power-buyer rather than
power-producer, during the time its generating unit was down, Tabata said.
