12-25-2007, 07:04 PM
Hawaii County does not have 'off peak' rates, so there is no cheaper time, and they do have peaking power plants & demand technology on most of their generators (Puna geothermal is one that is not demand regulated)
Hawaii County has peak demand during the evening hours, not during the day, hence evening supplement is the most important for this county.
Some have wondered why HELCO does not have 'off peak' pricing, but I truly doubt that would change many user patterns(for residential use), as we are already paying more than three times the national average for our power, and residential electrical useage is very near the national average. (for residential use).
Phoenix Motorcars has a more conventional electric vehicle start up for next year, and there are a few electrics on island, one Rav EV one the Kona side is recharged with solar PV... ( www.phoenixmotorcars.com) The biggest problem with electrics here is servicing the vehicle....it is hard enough with many of the more mainstream car makes, electric is still a long way off from mainstream...
Hawaii County has peak demand during the evening hours, not during the day, hence evening supplement is the most important for this county.
Some have wondered why HELCO does not have 'off peak' pricing, but I truly doubt that would change many user patterns(for residential use), as we are already paying more than three times the national average for our power, and residential electrical useage is very near the national average. (for residential use).
Phoenix Motorcars has a more conventional electric vehicle start up for next year, and there are a few electrics on island, one Rav EV one the Kona side is recharged with solar PV... ( www.phoenixmotorcars.com) The biggest problem with electrics here is servicing the vehicle....it is hard enough with many of the more mainstream car makes, electric is still a long way off from mainstream...