Metering.com 4 OCTOBER 2016
Hawaii Energy is commemorating the month of October as National Energy Awareness Month to highlight the importance of improving energy efficiency and conservation.
Hawaii Energy is a ratepayer-funded conservation and efficiency programme administered by Leidos Engineering, LLC (formerly known as SAIC).
According to Maui Now, Hawaii Energy joins national efforts to spotlight awareness around energy efficiency and conservation. National efforts urge the public to take further steps toward saving energy and developing habits to reduce energy consumption.
Hawaii Energy reported that it has saved customers in Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui Counties more than $21 million on electric bills.
Hawaii is also recognized for its efforts in establishing the Clean Energy Initiative, which sets a goal of achieving 100% clean energy use by 2045. [Hawaiian Electric submits smart grid proposal for PUC review]
“We can all make a difference in our daily lives. Most families want to do the right thing. But sometimes, it’s just a matter of having a clear understanding of how to make smart energy choices,” said Brian Kealoha, Hawaii Energy executive director.
“On a personal level, people understand that developing good habits helps lower their energy bill. But on a larger scale, since we are an island state and our economy is dependent on our visitor industry, protecting our environment and our natural resources must be a top priority, particularly when we look at the effects of climate change around the globe. Energy Awareness Month helps our island community realize that there’s more at stake than just reaching our 100% clean energy goal,” said Kealoha.
In conjunction with October being celebrated as Energy Awareness Month, governor David Ige has proclaimed Wednesday, 5th October 2016, as Energy Efficiency Day in Hawaii.
RE adoption in Hawaii
In related news, the US Department of Energy (DoE) will provide Hawaii with a $225,000 grant to increase the adoption of renewable energy. [Hawaii to ‘democratise’ RE with community solar]
According to a local media, Hawaii will use the funds to develop measures to increase awareness around renewable energy technologies amongst actors in the island state’s energy market.
Hawaii will acquire the funding through the DoE’s State Energy Programme.
Hawaiian Electric Company (HEC) has partnered with the University of Hawaii Manoa to implement the HAVEN programme.
The HAVEN programme aims to help national regulatory authorities and stakeholders in the country’s power sector to make informed decisions regarding clean energy transformation.