Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative continues to lead Hawai‘i in renewable generation

For the fifth straight year, Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative leads the state of Hawaiʻi in renewable generation, having achieved 57.9% renewable for 2023.

This puts KIUC well ahead of the state of Hawaiʻi requirement of 40% by 2030.

“In addition to leading the state in renewables, we are proud to have recorded the lowest residential rates for all the islands since May 2022,” said KIUC president and CEO David Bissell. “Our high percentage of renewables has contributed significantly to the stabilization of our rates even during times of significant increases in oil pricing.”

KIUC’s current strategic goal of reaching 100% renewable by 2033 is over a decade ahead of the state goal by 2045.

The 57.9% for 2023 was reported to the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission in KIUC’s annual renewable portfolio standards filing. Solar contributed 38.1% of KIUC’s generation in 2023. Almost one-third of the solar production came from members’ rooftop systems. Other renewables contributing in 2023 were hydropower (12%) and biomass (7.8%).

During 2023 KIUC began using biodiesel to enhance its renewable portfolio.

“Biodiesel can contribute to grid stability when we’re operating on a high percentage of solar,” said KIUC chief of operations Brad Rockwell. “However, biodiesel is presently more expensive than most other renewable sources, so we’ll use it sparingly and strategically for the time being.”

More information on KIUC’s strategic goals can be found on the cooperative’s website: www.kiuc.coop/strategic-plan.