KIUC Linemen All Geared Up - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative

Lyn Casticimo, Kevin Akita
and Kymi Sakai take their
turn volunteering at the
county fair.
26 KIUC CURRENTS
The Solar Loan Program offers zero­interest
loans to members who want to change their
existing electric water heater to a solar water
heating system, or replace an existing
nonfunctional solar water heater. KIUC pays the
interest for the participant, while the participant
repays the principal over five years. No down
payment is required. KIUC operates this program
in partnership with Kaua‘i Community Federal
Credit Union and the County of Kaua‘i Housing
Agency.
The Solar Rebate Program provides an $800
rebate incentive from KIUC for members who
want to replace their existing electric water heater
with a solar water heater, or replace an existing
nonfunctional solar water heater.
Members also asked, “Why is my bill so much
higher than my neighbor’s?”
Here are some things that can account for the
differences:
Demographics. The size of the household and
the age of household members.
Appliances. The electric water heater is
normally the largest energy user in the home. The
type and condition of the water heater and the
temperature setting are all factors. Even a solar
water heater can waste money if you do not use it
correctly. How many refrigerators and freezers are
present, and what is the age, size and condition of
each? The cost of running refrigerators and
freezers can vary per month, depending on the
units’ age and condition. Appliance mix is a big
factor.
Lifestyle. Do you cook more? Use more hot
water? How about guests? Do you wash clothes in
warm or hot water? This can make a bill much
The Ring of Fire, a popular ride this year at the fair.
higher than it has to be. How about the electric
dryer? Electric dryers are another big user. Lights
and fans typically use little energy, but numerous
ceiling fans left on for many hours at a time can
add up over the month.
Remember, no two homes are truly alike. For
more detailed household usage information, see
this month’s Energy Service’s section on page 8.
Thank you to all who stopped by our booth. We
will continue to answer your questions through KIUC
Currents, member meetings, inserts, releases and
online. If you ever have questions or concerns you
feel are not being addressed, please visit us at
www.kiuc.coop, email us at infor@kiuc.coop, “like”
us at www.facebook.com/KauaiCoop, follow us on
Twitter at www.twitter/KIUC, call us at 246.4300, or
send a note to Anne Barnes, KIUC Currents, 4463
Pahe‘e St, Suite 1, Lihue, HI 96766­2000.