Time-of-use rates offered by island electric companies
The Maui News – Maui Electric Co. and other Hawaiian Electric companies are offering an optional time-of-use rate program that charges customers less for power used during the day — when solar energy production is highest — and more at night.
Currently the program, developed under the state Public Utilities Commission, will run for two years. The rates are only for residential customers. Participation is voluntary and limited to the first 5,000 customers who enroll, a Hawaiian Electric announcement said.
The rates encourage customers to use electricity when solar power is abundant and enable cost-effective integration of renewable energy, the announcement said.
Now, Maui customers pay 26.9 cents per kilowatt-hour; on Lanai, 31.6 cents; and on Molokai, 29.6 cents.
Under the time-of-use program, rate prices in cents per kilowatt-hour will be:
* Midday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Maui, 13.7; Lanai, 24.4; Molokai, 19.8.
* On peak, from 5 to 10 p.m. — Maui, 39; Lanai, 38.6; Molokai, 37.6.
* Off peak, from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. — Maui, 32.5; Lanai, 34.6; Molokai, 33.2.
Participating customers will receive information on their bills that compares their costs under the program and the normal residential rate for electricity. Customers may opt out of the program at any time.
To enroll or for more information, go to www.hawaiianelectric.com/timeofuse or call on 871-9777 on Maui or (877) 871-8461 on Molokai or Lanai.