Maui Electric hosts community workshop on proposing renewable energy projects for Molokai
Release Date: 6/21/2019
MOLOKAI, June 21, 2019 – Launching its efforts to seek proposals for potential renewable energy projects for Molokai, Maui Electric Company will be hosting a Community Workshop: Molokai 100% Renewable Energy. The workshop will be on Thursday, July 11, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Mitchell Pauole Center. From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Maui Electric will provide an overview of their plans for procurement of renewable energy projects for Molokai and allow participants to share their ideas and guidance for potential developers. During 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the workshop will focus on the request for proposal (RFP) process should a community group be interested in submitting a renewable energy project. Light refreshments will be served.
"In hearing from the Molokai community and with approval from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC), we plan to go out for bids for renewable energy projects later this year," said Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui County and Hawaii Island Utilities. "We invite everyone to learn about the RFP process, see what parts of the island could potentially be suitable for different types of renewable energy projects, and hear how you can provide comments throughout this process."
Since March 2017, Maui Electric has hosted more than 20 meetings with Molokai residents, business owners, and students to discuss the island's clean energy future. Held in various locations, including Hoolehua, Kaunakakai, Maunaloa and Kilohana, the sessions provided information about the island's energy system and asked how residents envision sustainable energy for Molokai.
From the community feedback collected at the community sessions, Maui Electric will be seeking diverse options for Molokai to achieve 100 percent renewable energy, and possibly ahead of the rest of the state.
"As we start the largest procurement of renewable energy projects to power Molokai, it's important for as many people as possible to be part of the discussion at this critical juncture," Suzuki said.
Maui Electric is taking a multi-pronged approach to reach the state's mandated 100 percent clean energy goal. This includes continuous outreach and discussions with the community; alternative financing possibilities through available tax credits and third-party grants; innovative utility-sited solutions and new customer options to prepare the Molokai grid to take on more renewable energy.
