geothermal on hold

[Bullwinkle]

"the independent observer for the process, blamed continued delays on HELCO not conducting enough planning and “putting the cart before the horse.”..........more:


Hawaii Electric Light Co. put its effort to expand geothermal power on the Big Island on hold after its independent observer criticized the utility for lacking sufficient planning.

The island’s electricity provider, in response to a recommendation from the Boston Pacific Company, decided to wait until its Power Supply Improvement Plan is completed before continuing its process for seeking up to 50 megawatts of additional geothermal power. That plan is expected to be complete by April 21.

In a letter to the state Public Utilities Commission, Boston Pacific, which the PUC assigned as the independent observer for the process, blamed continued delays on HELCO not conducting enough planning and “putting the cart before the horse.”

“We certainly understand the importance of efficiently completing an RFP (request for proposals),” Boston Pacific wrote in the Feb. 21 letter. “However, it does not benefit ratepayers if an RFP is conducted without first knowing whether there is a need for the project being solicited.”

The company said the process lacked an integrated resource plan that identifies a need and best resource alternatives.

“We feel that the Commission (PUC) made a sound recommendation in requiring HELCO to submit a Power Supply Improvement Plan that will hopefully provide answers to the concerns raised in the Decision and Order (in the Hu Honua docket),” the letter said. “Given this, we recommend that the Geothermal RFP be put on hold until the PSIP is completed…”

- See more at: http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/loc...c1x4W.dpuf

[kalakoa]

Exactly: if HELCO wants to reject grid-tied PV due to "instability", it's only fair that other power sources be held to the same standard.

Those of us who pay the highest electric utility rates should expect the highest level of service.

(On the internet, nobody can tell if you're wearing a straight face...)

[bluesboy]

Sounds like more beaurocratic baloney.

Go solar, take advantage of the 65% govt subsidies and be done with. That's what I did.

[geochem]

All well and good - but taxpayers and the other rate payers are subsidizing your system with their tax dollars as well as their rates which maintain the grid and maintain the generation capacity that you rely on when solar goes "down". In the latter case, it's a good bet that those paying for that maintenance are a good deal less financially well off than you are. Some might consider that unfair.

[snorkle]

The state of the art 19th century grid distribution system utilized by HELCO may work better with 19th century power sources. HELCO should investigate old steam engines for maximum compatibility.

[bluesboy]

quote:

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Originally posted by geochem

All well and good - but taxpayers and the other rate payers are subsidizing your system with their tax dollars as well as their rates which maintain the grid and maintain the generation capacity that you rely on when solar goes "down". In the latter case, it's a good bet that those paying for that maintenance are a good deal less financially well off than you are. Some might consider that unfair.

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I'm not grid tied, nor do I recommend being grid tied. The grid is the root of many problems - it gives consumers the freedom to use unlimited power. I don't think that the human race should have access to unlimited power - we should be sustainable - and that means living within reasonable energy usage - which in a Hawaii is amply provided by the sun.

[bluesboy]

Also, take advantage of the subsidies and your taxes go into your own pocket. The subsidies are for everyone.

[peteadams]

Just read the article at the library today and found Boston Pacific's objection to the lack of planning rather baffling: "However, it does not benefit ratepayers if an RFP is conducted without first knowing whether there is a need for the project being solicited."

Helco is not soliciting RFP's about adding additional capacity, in which case BP's objection would make sense. The "need" for the geothermal proposals is to eventually eliminate fossil fuel-dependent power plants from our isolated island. Geothermal is the obvious choice as it does that for what must be the least expensive method possible, having a free, easily available geological heat source rather than burning something some corporation mined or grew for big profits.

As far as objecting to the grid because it offers access to large amounts of electrical power, that reminds me of my old CFO boss in the mid-80's wondering why he would ever need a more powerful computer than his IBM AT. Availability of large amounts of electrical power is both a catalyst and a foundation for much human progress. A large surplus of electricity over the needs of the public could also be usefully put to developing a major source of hydrogen for fuel cells and eventually eliminate fossil fuel for automobiles and other purposes.

[Jay Bondesen]

Somehow I don't think forcing every grocery store, gas station, fire department, hospital, telephone company, and auto shop, to run on generators would be an improvement. Storage systems just aren't quite there yet to operate them 24/7 using just the sun. I wonder what those services would cost without the grid? You also have to wonder what the tax base would be if there were no grid. Who would visit, live, or open a business to pay taxes? What kind of subsidies could it pay for?

Jay

[geochem]

quote:

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Originally posted by bluesboy

Also, take advantage of the subsidies and your taxes go into your own pocket. The subsidies are for everyone.

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for "everyone" who owns their own home and who makes a big enough income to take advantage of "credits". There are a bunch on this island who don't fall into your "everyone" category...