04-16-2013, 02:49 AM
Technical problem: the island doesn't really have a "grid", it's more like a bunch of "loops" or "spurs", very similar to the way in which most subdivisions have just a few roads (and in some cases, only one) to the highway. Many "single points of failure" in either case.
Regulatory problem: only HELCO can sell power across a TMK boundary, making it "illegal" for a small community to build their own micro-grid -- while you might argue that a power co-op isn't technically a "sale", HELCO has the money, lawyers, and political connections to make sure you're wrong.
Regulatory problem: only HELCO can sell power across a TMK boundary, making it "illegal" for a small community to build their own micro-grid -- while you might argue that a power co-op isn't technically a "sale", HELCO has the money, lawyers, and political connections to make sure you're wrong.