Hawaii utility applies to grow geothermal power
Big Island utility applies to expand geothermal power, says it aims to lower electricity costs
HONOLULU (AP) -- The Big Island's electric utility is asking the Public Utilities Commission for permission to generate more geothermal energy for sale to customers.
Hawaii Electric Light Co. wants to add up to 50 megawatts of geothermal power to help lower electricity costs for customers. The price of the energy won't be tied to the cost of oil.
Hawaii Electric Light President Jay Ignacio on Friday said the move is a significant next step toward adding more renewable energy and lowering costs for customers.
He says the company must addresses environmental and cultural concerns from the community as part of the process
The request is the final version of a draft proposal submitted to the commission in November. The utility says the final version addresses comments interested parties submitted about the draft.
