KIUC's Rate Case - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
KIUC's Rate Case - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
KIUC's Rate Case - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
June/July 2009<br />
KIUC’s <strong>Rate</strong> <strong>Case</strong>
Aloha <strong>Island</strong> Properties<br />
EXCEEDING YOUR EXPECTATIONS<br />
(808) 246-0334<br />
4232- B Malae Street, Lihue<br />
Newer 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home in Molokoa<br />
Village with Granite Countertops, High Ceilings<br />
and a Spacious living area. Beautiful hardwood<br />
flooring and Dewill Cabinets in the kitchen and<br />
bath. Fantastic Home. $535,000(fs). Call: Karen<br />
Agudong® 652-0677.<br />
182 Lihau Street, Wailua<br />
Homesteads<br />
Large 2500 s.f. home on a 14,000 s.f. lot on a<br />
great street in Wailua Homesteads! Beautiful Lush<br />
Landscaping with Private Back Yard. Tranquil<br />
Screened in Lanai. Oversized Garage with<br />
additional workshop area. $599,000(fs). Call:<br />
Charlotte Barefoot® 651-4627 or Karen<br />
Agudong® 652-0677.<br />
Halelani Village #E-206<br />
Well maintained, Renovated 2 Bed, 1.5 Bath<br />
upstairs condominium. Master bedroom with<br />
A/C. New Range. Lanai with Mountain Views.<br />
$189,000(fs). Call: Kay Leonard(RA) 634-8697 or<br />
Karen Agudong® 652-0677.<br />
5960 Kini Place, Wailua<br />
Homesteads<br />
Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home with<br />
Swimming Pool and Breathtaking Mountain<br />
Views! Located in a very desireable<br />
neighborhood. Large 1,992 s.f. home includes<br />
a 3 Car Garage and a Screened in Lanai .<br />
Lushly landscaped yard of approximately<br />
27,486 s.f.. This is a Definite "Must See".<br />
Property is a potential short sale and subject to<br />
lender approval. Encouraging All Offers!<br />
$799,000(fs). Call: Karen Agudong® 652-0677.<br />
2775 Kepa Street, Lihue<br />
Located in desirable Ulu Mahi Subdivision.<br />
This unique 3 Bed, 2 Bath home of almost<br />
2,000 s.f. has endless opportunities for<br />
entertaining plus a beautiful swimming pool in<br />
the back yard. Inviting floor plan with open<br />
beam ceilings, arched entryway and laminate<br />
flooring throughout the living area, kitchen and<br />
dining area. Vaulted ceilings accent the dining<br />
area and built in buffet. $675,000(fs). Call:<br />
Crystel Chong Tim(RA) 635-3484.<br />
1214 Nohea Street, Kalaheo<br />
Gorgeous two story home, built in 2006, with<br />
beautiful hardwood floors, relaxing front Lanai<br />
and dynamic ocean views.<br />
4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths with 2300 sf. of living area<br />
on a 10,106 s.f. lot. One of the lowest priced<br />
homes currently available in the Kakela<br />
Makai Ocean View Subdivision. Priced to Sell.<br />
$899,000(fs). Call: Karen Agudong® 652-0677.<br />
Exceptional Price!<br />
1050 Kamalu Road – B,<br />
Wailua Homesteads<br />
Exceptional value for this Beautiful and Very<br />
Spacious Flag lot on over a quarter acre in<br />
Wailua Homesteads. Located near the<br />
Sleeping Giant Hiking Trail. One of the lowest<br />
priced lots for this size. ONLY $179,000(fs).<br />
Call: Charlotte Barefoot® 651-4627 or Karen<br />
Agudong® 652-0677.<br />
Aloha <strong>Island</strong> Properties 3-3359 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, HI 96766<br />
808-246-0334 fax: 808-246-0771 www.alohaisland.com email: karen@alohaisland.com
Simple Pleasures<br />
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School robotics<br />
students competed in the 2009 Hawaii Regional<br />
Botball Tournament at the Hawaii Convention Center<br />
in May 2009.<br />
Simple Pleasures is a section for our members to share their favorite place,<br />
favorite pastime or something that makes them happy. Share your Simple<br />
Pleasures with us by mail at KIUC Currents, 4463 Pahe‘e Street, Suite 1,<br />
Līhu‘e, HI 96766-2000, or email currents@kiuc.coop.<br />
4463 Pahe‘e Street, Suite 1, Līhu‘e, Hawai‘i 96766-2000<br />
808.246.4300 www.kiuc.coop currents@kiuc.coop<br />
KIUC BOARD MEMBERS Teofilo “Phil” Tacbian, Chairman; Peter<br />
Yukimura, Vice Chair; David Iha, Secretary; Allan A. Smith, Treasurer;<br />
Carol Bain, Stu Burley, Steve Rapozo, Ben Sullivan<br />
PRESIDENT & CEO Randall J. Hee<br />
EDITOR Anne Barnes, Marketing, Communications & Public Affairs<br />
ASSISTANT EDITORS Shelley Paik and Maile Moriguchi, Marketing,<br />
Communications & Public Affairs; Pam Blair, Ruralite Services<br />
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paul Daniels, Dennis Esaki, Teofilo “Phil”<br />
Tacbian, Randall J. Hee, Ray Mierta, Maile Moriguchi and Shelley Paik.<br />
Only active KIUC members will be mailed KIUC Currents. KIUC Currents can be found<br />
online at www.kiuc.coop under Member Information and Currents on the website.<br />
KIUC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.<br />
June/July 2009<br />
Volume 6, Number 3<br />
Table of Contents<br />
Simple Pleasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3<br />
Is Your Home Protected? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4<br />
A Picture’s Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7<br />
Storm Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8<br />
Military Appreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10<br />
A Message from the Chairman . . . . . . . . 11<br />
Patronage Capital Refunds Totaling $2.4<br />
Million to Begin Arriving Mid-July . . . . . . 11<br />
KIUC’s <strong>Rate</strong> <strong>Case</strong>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12<br />
Annual Fuel Mix Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . 14<br />
Our Energy, Our Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15<br />
2009 Spotlight on Excellence Awards . . . . 16<br />
Child & Family Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16<br />
Co-op Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18<br />
Hot Months, Cool Snacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20<br />
Changes to the Membership Meeting . . . 22<br />
KIUC Named in SEPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22<br />
Statement of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23<br />
Parting Shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23<br />
Powerlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24<br />
On the cover: KIUC Chief Financial Officer<br />
David Bissell speaks to attendees at the <strong>Rate</strong><br />
<strong>Case</strong> Information Meeting on June 3rd about<br />
the proposed rate increase. For more<br />
information, please see the story on page 12.
Is Your Home Protected?<br />
By Ray Mierta<br />
Power Surges On Kaua‘i<br />
It used to be our homes were filled with basic appliances<br />
that consisted of motors and lights. New appliances are<br />
both energy efficient and more expensive. They also are<br />
more complex than they used to be.<br />
The very components that give us the reliability, low<br />
operating cost and improved performance we are used to<br />
also are sensitive to minor variances in the quality of the<br />
electricity that powers them.<br />
4 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
Power Surges From Internal Sources<br />
Microprocessors—virtually a component of every<br />
appliance and device today—are sensitive to small<br />
fluctuations in power quality. Low-level surges or spikes<br />
that originate from within our homes caused by<br />
appliances turning on and off cause stress on these<br />
circuits and can lead to early failure.<br />
To the repair technician, it is difficult to determine what<br />
caused the failure and if it occurred over time from<br />
internal sources. It often is dismissed as<br />
being the result of a power surge.<br />
Invariably, a call is placed to Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong><br />
<strong>Utility</strong> <strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC).<br />
Power Surges From External<br />
Sources<br />
On the mainland, weather is a big cause of<br />
power surges. Lightning strikes,<br />
thunderstorms, pre-tornado conditions and<br />
near misses from hurricanes can wreak<br />
havoc on the power system, producing<br />
surges.<br />
Storms—not KIUC—are the biggest cause of<br />
power surges on Kaua‘i. Wind and lightning<br />
strikes can affect power lines, generating<br />
surges of varying intensity. Contact by birds<br />
and debris in overhead power lines can<br />
generate damaging surges, as well as<br />
accidents involving power poles.
An electrical surge or spike can occur on an incoming<br />
power line, telephone, and antenna or cable line. Any<br />
wire that runs from the inside of your home to the<br />
outside is a potential pathway for voltage fluctuations<br />
above the normal range.<br />
What Is a Power Surge?<br />
Utilities strive to provide reliable and consistent electric<br />
power. A surge is a voltage impulse lasting less than<br />
1/1000 of a second and is technically defined by IEEE-<br />
ANSI standard C62.41.1.<br />
Normal electric system fluctuations, power loss,<br />
temporary overvoltage, undervoltage and electrical system<br />
problems are not surges.<br />
Protection From Power Surges<br />
Plug-in or point-of-use surge protection devices are<br />
available locally at retail outlets. They typically are used<br />
to provide surge protection for<br />
individual electronic devices, such as a<br />
home computer, and for groups of<br />
home electronics, such as a home<br />
entertainment center. A television,<br />
stereo tuner or DVD recorder all can be<br />
plugged into a multiport suppressor.<br />
Some point-of-use suppressors can<br />
accommodate telephone and coaxial<br />
cable connections.<br />
To be effective, each electronic device<br />
connected to the outside of the home by<br />
a wire and devices determined to be of<br />
value by the homeowner need to be<br />
connected to their own point-of-use<br />
surge protection device. If you consider<br />
how many appliances could need<br />
individual surge protection devices, it<br />
would be expensive to provide<br />
protection for all of them.<br />
Circuit breakers, central fuses and<br />
appliance fuses are not fast enough to<br />
detect a temporary overvoltage<br />
condition and cannot be relied on for<br />
surge protection.<br />
No-Cost Surge Protection<br />
Most devices with a clock, thermostat<br />
or timer need to have electric current<br />
going to them at all times, even when<br />
they are not being used. Some small<br />
appliances such as toasters, rice<br />
cookers, lamps and even power tools do<br />
not need to be left plugged in when<br />
they are not being used. If an appliance<br />
or piece of equipment can be unplugged<br />
when not in use, it probably does not<br />
need a point-of-use surge protector.<br />
KIUC Surge Protection<br />
KIUC is testing a program to provide surge protection<br />
devices for customers. The KIUC surge protection system<br />
is a heavy-duty, multi-layered protection system designed<br />
to protect your home and sensitive electronics from surgerelated<br />
power issues.]<br />
While no surge protection is 100-percent foolproof, a<br />
combination of point-of-use and point-of-entry devices<br />
will provide the greatest level of protection.<br />
The KIUC system includes:<br />
• A heavy-duty surge arrester that installs behind your<br />
electric meter. This special meter-base arrester provides<br />
the first layer of protection for your home. It redirects<br />
high voltage at the point where it enters the home and<br />
protects major appliances, such as washers, dryers,<br />
refrigerators and stoves.<br />
ORDERING THE KIUC PROTECTION SYSTEM<br />
Pricing for meter-base and point-of-use plug-in suppressers<br />
are as follows.<br />
Service entrance protection (recommended for all homes)<br />
SS320A meter-base surge arrester<br />
Fits behind the electric meter. Installation by a KIUC service technician.<br />
Monthly service fee: $5.00 (KIUC will maintain and replace if ever<br />
damaged.)<br />
Installation charge: $40.00 (one-time charge)<br />
Point-of-use plug-in surge protection Purchase Cost<br />
MPS1200 10-outlet power strip suppressor $63.00<br />
with telephone and two video lines.<br />
A multi-stage suppressor for high-value equipment.<br />
US1206 6-outlet wall-mount plug-in suppressor $63.00<br />
with telephone, two cable and data line suppression.<br />
A multi-stage suppressor for high-value equipment.<br />
CSS1-T single-outlet suppressor with phone hook up. $19.99<br />
Single-stage for cordless phone base, answering machine etc.<br />
CSS1 single-outlet suppressor $14.99<br />
Single-stage for small appliances such as microwave, toaster oven, rice cooker.<br />
The installation charge and recurring monthly service fee will appear as a<br />
line item charge added to your monthly electric bill. Plug-in surge protection<br />
devices can be purchased by program participants only at the KIUC office,<br />
located at 4463 Pahee St., Līhu‘e.<br />
Surge protection products are designed to protect against transient surges of<br />
short duration. The system is not designed to protect against a sustained<br />
overvoltage condition. This type of condition, although rare, can result from<br />
internal wiring problems, loss of neutral or other electrical events on the<br />
KIUC system.<br />
JUNE/JULY 2009 5
• Point-of-use protection includes a selection of plug-in<br />
devices designed to protect your sensitive electronics. It<br />
offers a second layer of protection for computers,<br />
televisions, VCRs, telephones, DVD recorders or any<br />
device connected to the outside of the home by other<br />
than electric service. Point-of-use devices offered by<br />
KIUC will be sold to program participants only. KIUC<br />
provides a selection of plug-in devices as a service to<br />
program participants. Plug-in devices also are available<br />
at local retail outlets.<br />
When combined, this approach virtually eliminates<br />
opportunities for power surges from inside and outside<br />
your home to damage connected sensitive electronics.<br />
What Should be Protected?<br />
The meter-base suppressor will protect major “white<br />
goods” appliances connected only to the electric service.<br />
Full protection takes a combination of meter-base and<br />
plug-in, point-of-use protectors.<br />
Meter-base surge protector<br />
Installation fee: $40.00 (plus tax)<br />
Monthly rental fee: $5.00 (plus tax)<br />
Plug-in point-of-use protectors $14.99 to $63.00 (plus tax)<br />
Plug-in point-of-use protectors will be sold to those<br />
renting the meter-base protector only. They can be<br />
purchased from KIUC.<br />
Tell me about the program. How will I be<br />
billed if I want to take advantage of KIUC’s<br />
residential surge protection program?<br />
The charges for the meter-base surge protector will appear on<br />
the first or second bill you receive after submitting your<br />
application. There will be a one-time installation charge for<br />
the meter-base protector, and a recurring monthly charge.<br />
You can review the selection and purchase high-quality<br />
point-of-use surge protection devices in the KIUC lobby.<br />
At this time, KIUC accepts cash and personal checks only.<br />
What is the process if I want to join the<br />
program?<br />
You will need to complete a program application and return<br />
it to KIUC, which will review the application and schedule<br />
installation of the meter-base device. At the time the meterbase<br />
device is installed, KIUC will leave information about<br />
the causes and solutions for power surges. You can call<br />
246.8284 if you have more detailed questions.<br />
Can I buy individual plug-in protectors if I<br />
don’t have a meter-base protector?<br />
Plug-in or point-of-use protectors are designed to function as<br />
a second stage of surge protection. You can buy point-of-use<br />
protectors, but they are not designed to provide complete<br />
protection beyond the device(s) they are attached to.<br />
6 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
When considering the KIUC surge protection system, it is<br />
recommended you create a list of your high-value<br />
sensitive electronics. These typically include:<br />
• Computer systems<br />
• Television/entertainment centers<br />
• Microwave ovens and other small appliances<br />
• Portable or wireless telephones<br />
• Other important electronics<br />
Once you have made your list, you can determine which<br />
items would benefit from surge protection. If the value of<br />
the device far exceeds the cost to protect it, consider the<br />
appropriate plug-in surge suppressor through the KIUC<br />
program.<br />
To obtain more information and a program application and<br />
agreement, call 246.8284.<br />
FAQs ABOUT THE PROGRAM<br />
KIUC will sell plug-in point-of-use surge protectors only to<br />
customers who join the program and rent a meter-base<br />
suppressor.<br />
Will my electric service be disrupted during<br />
the installation?<br />
Yes. Power to your entire home will be off for about 10<br />
minutes during installation of the meter-base protector.<br />
After the device is installed, it is advised you look at it to<br />
locate the indicator light. The indicator light will be on the<br />
side of the unit. You should check this light periodically.<br />
What should I do if I notice the indicator<br />
light no longer is working on my meter-base<br />
device?<br />
Call KIUC at 246.8284. As long as the indicator light is<br />
working, you are protected against surges that could enter<br />
your home through the KIUC power supply line. Should<br />
you notice the indicator light is not working, you no<br />
longer are protected. KIUC will arrange for the testing of<br />
your existing device and install a new device at no cost to<br />
you. Remember, the manufacturer of the devices warranty<br />
their products against defects in the manufacturing<br />
process only.<br />
What should I do if I suspect an appliance<br />
has failed due to a surge?<br />
The power surge devices KIUC offers as part of its<br />
program are designed to withstand six times the amount<br />
of surge as ordinary over-the-counter products. It is highly<br />
unlikely a power surge will be large enough to damage a<br />
surge device you purchase through the program. First,<br />
look at the indicator light on all of your surge protection<br />
devices. If the indicator lights are all working, the<br />
appliance did not fail due to a power surge.
A Picture’s Worth...<br />
Haaaa Terry! Don’t fall off that ladder.<br />
Terry Caplan, owner of <strong>Island</strong> Ace Hardware, located at the Princeville<br />
Shopping Center, has always been an innovative retailer. For the past 22<br />
years as owner and operator of <strong>Island</strong> Ace, Terry’s entrepreneurial spirit<br />
is manifested in the business he has worked so hard to develop. That is<br />
just another reason Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong> <strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC) would like<br />
to commend him on being the first large installation of light emitting<br />
diode (LED) technology lighting on Kaua‘i.<br />
In today’s economic climate, it takes a leap of faith to make an<br />
investment like Terry has made. Although he already had energyefficient<br />
T-8 fluorescent lighting, Terry has taken the need for greater<br />
cost control to the next level, while preserving quality customer service.<br />
Although LED technology is not new, its varied application is only now<br />
being recognized. Improved design, application, long life and acceptability<br />
have brought the cost down. Measured against the high energy cost we<br />
are faced with, the return on investment is more easily justified.<br />
With the added benefit of no heat (reducing air conditioning load)<br />
and longer life (50,000+ hours) this may be the solution for many KIUC members. Remember, if Terry can justify<br />
the savings from his already efficient T-8, just think of the added savings when converting from old T-12 fluorescents.<br />
KIUC’s incentive of 50 percent of the project cost represents the co-op’s commitment and support of new technologies<br />
that are moving into the mainstream.<br />
Congratulations, Terry! We thank you for making this project happen and look forward to hearing what your<br />
customers think of this innovative technology.<br />
If you have a business, large or small, and want to participate in the Commercial Energy Wise Program, call Paul Daniels<br />
at 246.8275.<br />
FAQs ABOUT SURGES AND SURGE PROTECTION<br />
What is a meter-base surge protector?<br />
A meter-base surge protector is a high-energy surge<br />
protection device installed behind the electric meter of<br />
your house. All power coming into your home runs<br />
through the meter-base surge protector, making it the first<br />
stage of protection against surges.<br />
Will the meter-base surge protector protect all<br />
my equipment?<br />
No, not by itself. The meter-base device offers excellent<br />
protection for standard “white appliances” such as<br />
dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators,<br />
freezers and stoves. Surges can enter the home by other<br />
means, such as phone and cable television lines. Small<br />
spikes can occur when various appliances within the<br />
home turn on and off.<br />
Electronic devices connected to phone, fax, cable TV lines<br />
and any other electronic devices with sensitive<br />
microprocessor electronics should be protected with<br />
premium plug-in point-of-use devices purchased through<br />
KIUC. This two-stage approach will provide the greatest<br />
defense and superior protection from both externally and<br />
internally generated surges.<br />
Can I take it with me when I move?<br />
The meter-base surge protector is rented, so you can<br />
request the program for your new residence. There will be<br />
a $40 cost for installation at the new residence and the<br />
monthly charge will apply. Point-of-use protectors are<br />
purchased outright from KIUC, so you can take them to<br />
the new location.<br />
How do I know if the device is still working?<br />
The meter-base device and the point-of-use devices have<br />
indicator lights that let you know they are functioning. If<br />
the light on the meter-base device goes out, call KIUC<br />
immediately at 246.8284. If the indicator light on the<br />
plug-in device goes out, the device should be replaced.<br />
Will these devices stop the surges that cause<br />
my clocks and VCR to blink?<br />
Blinking clocks and VCRs are caused by power<br />
interruptions, not electrical surges. Surge protection<br />
equipment will not reduce or prevent power<br />
interruptions.<br />
JUNE/JULY 2009 7
Storm<br />
Sense<br />
A Practical Guide to<br />
Emergency Preparedness<br />
Before a Hurricane…<br />
Prepare<br />
The checklist provided will help you prepare for a<br />
hurricane. Don’t wait until a warning is given to begin<br />
making your plans. Have your survival kit ready. Know<br />
where emergency shelters are located.<br />
If you or a member of your family is receiving special<br />
medical treatment (such as dialysis or chemotherapy),<br />
know what the procedures are for emergency<br />
conditions. If you live in a flood zone or think your<br />
home won’t withstand the force of a hurricane, have an<br />
evacuation plan ready before a hurricane warning is<br />
issued.<br />
Prior to leaving home, turn off the electricity and gas.<br />
Take your survival kit; shelters do not provide food,<br />
bedding, water or other essential items.<br />
Provide for your pet. Contact the Humane Society for<br />
information on people/pet sheltering.<br />
Stay Informed<br />
When a hurricane watch or warning is declared, listen to<br />
the radio for further instructions. Kaua‘i’s Civil Defense<br />
station is KQNG, 570 AM or 93.5 FM, but all island<br />
radio stations are in voluntary compliance.<br />
KIUC personnel will be in contact with all three stations<br />
and will broadcast special advisories about your power<br />
supply. Oceanic Time Warner also broadcasts National<br />
Weather Service reports.<br />
During a Hurricane…<br />
Before heavy winds begin, turn off all switches on your<br />
electric circuit panel (usually located inside the home or<br />
garage) and turn off the switch for your main breaker<br />
(usually located outside near your meter).<br />
8 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
When a Hurricane is<br />
Forecast for Kaua‘i<br />
Once gale force winds are reached, Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong><br />
<strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC) will begin planned power interruptions<br />
to avoid damage to electrical equipment. Unplug electrical<br />
appliances and sensitive electrical equipments.<br />
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as<br />
possible. Food may stay frozen in the refrigerator’s<br />
freezer compartment for 12 to 48 hours, and may stay<br />
frozen up to 72 hours in a fully loaded separate freezer.<br />
Do not be fooled by the calm sometimes experienced in<br />
the “eye” of a hurricane; stay indoors during and<br />
immediately after the storm. Going outside during the<br />
storm could put you and others who try to help you in<br />
danger. It also may hamper emergency crews.<br />
After A Hurricane…<br />
In Your Home<br />
Be sure your stove, washer, dryer, microwave and other<br />
electrical appliances—and the areas around them—are<br />
completely dry before attempting to plug, unplug, move<br />
or operate them (wait a week or two). If still unsure,<br />
contact a technician to inspect for damage.<br />
Check for food spoilage. Food that has warmed to room<br />
temperature probably is unsafe to eat. When in doubt,<br />
throw it out.<br />
Power Lines and <strong>Utility</strong> Poles<br />
When lines from utility poles are on the ground, assume<br />
they are dangerous. Don’t touch them. If someone is<br />
touching a line, don’t try to rescue them yourself and risk<br />
becoming a victim; get help immediately by calling 911 or<br />
KIUC’s Emergency Line at 246.8200.<br />
Beware, a fence or guardrail can be energized for a thousand<br />
yards if it is touching a downed power line. If a power line<br />
falls on your car while you are in it, wait for help, if<br />
possible. If you must get out, jump free of the car so that<br />
your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground.<br />
Using a Generator<br />
Before operating a generator, be sure your home is not<br />
connected to KIUC’s system where electric lines feed into<br />
the meter. Turn off the main breaker to your home<br />
before operating a generator.<br />
Have a qualified electrician install a special switch so power<br />
is properly supplied to the house without endangering<br />
family, neighbors and utility workers in the area.<br />
If your generator is being used to power an individual<br />
appliance or piece of equipment, make sure it is<br />
connected directly to your generator. This keeps the<br />
power safely isolated from any other wiring in your<br />
building or beyond.<br />
Follow the instruction manual to properly ground the<br />
generator. Make sure the generator location is properly<br />
ventilated to reduce the danger of fumes and overheating.<br />
Minimize the noise impact as much as possible. Store<br />
reserve fuel in a safe place away from the generator.
■ Portable radio<br />
■ Extra batteries<br />
■ Flashlight(s) and candles<br />
■ Manual can opener<br />
Survival Kit<br />
■ First aid kit, special medications<br />
and an extra pair of eyeglasses, if<br />
you wear them<br />
■ Five-day supply of nonperishable,<br />
ready-to-eat food; an<br />
ice chest and blue-ice packs<br />
■ Containers of water (minimum 2<br />
quarts per person per day)<br />
■ Sleeping bags or blankets<br />
■ Change of clothing for each<br />
family member<br />
■ Matches or lighter<br />
■ Camp stove, lantern and fuel<br />
■ Masking tape for windows<br />
■ Personal hygiene, sanitary<br />
supplies, diapers<br />
■ Bleach<br />
■ Plastic sheeting and garbage<br />
bags<br />
Hurricane Survival Checklist<br />
To do before hurricane season (in May or June)<br />
■ Trim trees around the home, especially those with weak<br />
limbs<br />
■ Tighten loose gutters and roof tiles<br />
■ Have window and door coverings (plywood or storm<br />
shutters) in good condition and ready to install, if needed<br />
■ Review insurance policies to be certain they are up-todate,<br />
and have a photo or video inventory of possessions<br />
■ Know where all important documents are (insurance,<br />
wills, marriage licenses, etc.)<br />
■ Be certain your survival kit is complete<br />
■ Make sure pets have some form of identification and are<br />
current on vaccinations<br />
■ Have a carrier for each pet and maintain at least a oneweek<br />
supply of pet food, cat litter, special medications<br />
and other necessary supplies<br />
Important Phone Numbers<br />
KIUC Trouble Calls, 24 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246.8200<br />
KIUC Member Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246.4300<br />
Emergency police, fire, ambulance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911<br />
Civil Defense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241.1800<br />
American Red Cross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245.4919<br />
The Gas Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245.3301<br />
Dept. of Water Trouble Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245.5444<br />
After Hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241.6711<br />
Hawaiian Telecom Repair Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611<br />
Oceanic Time Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245.7720<br />
Kaua‘i Humane Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632.0610<br />
A Storm Glossary<br />
Hurricane—Hurricanes are intense, compact<br />
cyclones that form over warm, tropical waters.<br />
They are like giant whirlwinds, with air moving<br />
in a large, tightening spiral around a center<br />
of extreme low pressure. They pack winds from<br />
74 to 200 mph. The storm affects the ocean surface<br />
and lower atmosphere over tens of thousands<br />
of square miles, causing strong winds,<br />
high surf, heavy rains and tornadoes.<br />
Hurricane Watch—Hurricane force winds<br />
may occur within 36 hours.<br />
Hurricane Warning—Dangerous conditions<br />
expected within 24 hours.<br />
Tropical Depression—A storm with sustained<br />
winds of less than 39 mph.<br />
Tropical Storm—A storm with sustained<br />
winds from 39 to 73 mph.<br />
Hurricane Preparation Checklist<br />
When a hurricane watch is announced by the National<br />
Weather Service:<br />
■ Tie down or store all loose objects<br />
■ Bring all potted plants into the house<br />
■ Remove and store lanai furniture<br />
■ Tape windows and sliding glass doors (to contain<br />
shattered glass if a window breaks)<br />
■ Store all propane tanks<br />
■ Store insurance and other essential documents in<br />
waterproof packets<br />
■ Wrap cameras, computers, VCRs, stereos and<br />
microwaves in waterproof sheeting<br />
■ Freeze water to fill up all available freezer space; in<br />
the event of a lengthy power outage, frozen foods<br />
will stay cold longer in a fully loaded freezer<br />
■ Fill up the gas tank of your car<br />
■ Thoroughly clean and disinfect bathtubs with<br />
bleach; fill with water<br />
■ Fill as many clean containers as possible with water<br />
(do not use milk containers; they have milk residue,<br />
which makes drinking water unpleasant)<br />
■ Line garbage cans with plastic trash bags and fill<br />
with water; this water can be used later for nonpotable<br />
purposes such as flushing toilets<br />
■ If you finish all of your tasks at home, help a<br />
neighbor.<br />
JUNE/JULY 2009 9
In the past, like many other Americans, I took the U.S. Navy for granted, thinking it was for young kids to see<br />
the world and career officers to put in their time prior to some cushy government job.<br />
Recently, I had the opportunity, courtesy of the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet's DV Program to fly to the<br />
nuclear aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, spend two days on it on an official tour, observing day and night<br />
flight and other operations, and was catapaulted off its deck. I came away with so much respect and<br />
appreciation for these men and women in the Navy and other military branches. There were 19- and 20-yearold<br />
personnel responsible for the multi-million dollar jets, bombs and nuclear reactors. What I saw, from the<br />
Commander on down to the enlisted men, was so much dedication, order and perfection. I was very impressed<br />
with the captain and the crew of the USS John C. Stennis.<br />
They are our ambassadors to the rest of the world. They are prepared to protect us at the drop of a hat.<br />
We sit at home complaining about nuclear power in our backyards, while we expect these men and women to<br />
live above nuclear reactors, bombs and millions of gallons of jet fuel.<br />
Those of you who have served in the United States military, I take my hat off to you. No rhetoric will<br />
adequately express my appreciation. All I can say is “Thank you.”<br />
Thank you and God bless those who have served and those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Because of you, I<br />
can say I am proud to be an American.<br />
10 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
Aloha,<br />
Dennis M. Esaki
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN<br />
Aloha.<br />
In May, your Legislative Committee met with our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., to discuss many<br />
issues that affect Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong> <strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC). Among the topics discussed were climate change<br />
legislation, a renewable energy standard, an energy-efficiency resource standard, the Rural Utilities Service and<br />
undergrounding of electric lines in the Wailua Corridor. These discussions were with U. S. Representatives Neil<br />
Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono and Senators Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye. They were supportive of<br />
our concerns.<br />
The committee also met with our member from Līhu‘e, General Eric Shinseki, who is serving as secretary of<br />
Veterans Affairs. He showed great interest in renewable projects in the Līhu‘e area.<br />
A strategic planning retreat is scheduled for July. Committee Chairman Peter Yukimura and his committee are<br />
hard at work in preparing for this event.<br />
Our staff continues to put in long hours in preparation for our rate case filing with the Public Utilities<br />
Commission. Chief Financial Officer David Bissell and our consultants, R. W. Beck and Associates, are guiding<br />
the process.<br />
We were saddened to receive the resignation of Dennis Esaki, our former chairman. He led our board and co-op<br />
for three years with a commendable leadership style. His contributions to KIUC are many. His service as the<br />
director from Hawai‘i at the National Rural Electrical <strong>Cooperative</strong> Association did not go unnoticed. Our<br />
national president appointed him to serve as chairman of the Marketing, Communications and Business<br />
Development Committee. The Board of Directors at KIUC joins me in wishing Dennis the best in his current and<br />
future business endeavors.<br />
Teofilo “Phil” Tacbian<br />
Chairman, KIUC Board of Directors<br />
KIUC PATRONAGE CAPITAL REFUNDS<br />
TOTALING $2.4 MILLION TO BEGIN<br />
ARRIVING MID-JULY<br />
After receiving approval from the Rural Utilities Service<br />
(RUS) in May, Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong> <strong>Cooperative</strong> and the<br />
Board of Directors began making arrangements to<br />
disburse checks and account information to the<br />
membership totaling $2.4 million. That is 25 percent of<br />
the $9.6 million in margins generated by KIUC in 2008.<br />
Checks will be issued for refunds totaling $10 or more. If<br />
the amount is less than $10 and the member has an active<br />
account, the amount will be credited to the member’s<br />
account. If the refund amount is less than $10 and the<br />
account is inactive, the amount will remain in the<br />
member’s patronage account until the cumulative refund<br />
amount is $10 or more. For an average residential account<br />
that consumed about 430 kilowatt-hours a month, the<br />
average refund check will be approximately $27.<br />
Members can expect refunds to arrive mid-July.<br />
JUNE/JULY 2009 11
KIUC CEO Randy Hee answers a question during the June 3 public<br />
meeting about KIUC’s recent application for a rate increase.<br />
Facing monthly losses for the first time since becoming a<br />
customer-owned cooperative, Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong><br />
<strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC) is seeking a new rate schedule that<br />
will increase revenues by 10.5 percent—about $16 a<br />
month for an average residential consumer.<br />
The new rate proposal is scheduled to be presented to the<br />
state Public <strong>Utility</strong> Commission around July 1.<br />
KIUC Chief Financial Officer David Bissell said the<br />
utility’s revenues are slightly below costs for the first five<br />
months of the year.<br />
The rate proposal calls for slightly reduced pass-through<br />
costs when oil prices rise, but higher base rates, so bills<br />
will be somewhat higher for the same amount of power.<br />
The utility’s current rates were established 13 years ago.<br />
While costs have risen, the company has been able to<br />
delay increasing rates by balancing increased expenses<br />
with significant increases in efficiency of its power plants<br />
12 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
KIUC’S RATE CASE<br />
and an increasing customer base. This year, however, the<br />
continued increase in costs plus a declining economy<br />
caught up with KIUC.<br />
The island’s last electric rate case was completed in 1996,<br />
when crude oil prices were around $20 a barrel,<br />
compared with nearly $70 in early June 2009.<br />
Because most fuel costs are passed directly through to the<br />
consumer, those don’t damage the co-op’s bottom line. But<br />
some fuel costs based on the 1996 oil price are included<br />
in base rates. Other costs also are hurting the co-op.<br />
During the past 13 years, virtually all the utility’s<br />
expenses have risen: salaries, lubricating oil, copper wire,<br />
utility poles and the trucks repair crews drive. The<br />
Consumer Price Index—the national standard for the<br />
changing cost of goods and services—has gone up from an<br />
annual average of 156.9 in 1996 to 215 for 2008. That is<br />
a 37-percent rise during a period when base electric rates<br />
on Kaua’i have stayed flat.<br />
KIUC President Randy Hee said improved operating<br />
efficiency has helped keep the company balance sheets<br />
positive. But electricity users have trimmed their power<br />
consumption to the lowest amount in the island’s recent<br />
history. In May, average monthly residential use dropped<br />
from a long-term average of 520 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to<br />
430 kWh.<br />
That may be a conservation response to last year’s spike<br />
in fuel costs, or the current recession. It also might be a<br />
new energy-efficiency effort by the public. It has been<br />
suggested a cut in tourism means lower power use in<br />
rental home and condominium units. While it is unclear<br />
which factor plays the biggest role, power consumption is<br />
way down. That means KIUC is selling less power, and<br />
bringing in less revenue.<br />
The company launched a cost-cutting drive, reducing its<br />
operating costs by $1 million and its capital costs by $6<br />
million for 2009, Bissell said, noting that has not been<br />
enough to keep the balance sheet in the black.<br />
KIUC’s sales in 2008 were down 3 percent from 2007. In<br />
the first quarter of 2009, they were down 8 percent from<br />
the same period in 2008. In May 2009, energy sales were<br />
down 14 percent from May 2008. The decline is<br />
unprecedented in Kaua’i electric utility history.<br />
The utility’s margins are reduced $2.5 million with every<br />
5 percent drop in energy sales.<br />
“If sales stay down, our financials will continue to be<br />
under stress,” Bissell said.<br />
KIUC officials have recognized for some time that they<br />
would need more revenue, and that the cooperative<br />
should overhaul the way rates are calculated.
There are several significant problems with the 1996 rate<br />
structure:<br />
• Base rates are too low, since it now costs KIUC more to<br />
deliver power to customers than it can legally charge.<br />
• The portion of fuel costs included in the base rate<br />
doesn’t account for fluctuations in the price of fuel.<br />
• The portion of fuel costs passed through to members,<br />
called the Energy <strong>Rate</strong> Adjustment Clause (ERAC),<br />
provides an incentive to the utility when fuel prices go<br />
up, meaning consumers pay more than the equivalent<br />
rise in oil cost. In the ERAC under the new rate<br />
proposal, for every dollar fuel prices rise, the utility<br />
would charge 10 cents less than it now does.<br />
• Most of the increase is due to non-fuel charges, which<br />
have risen dramatically since the 1996 rate case.<br />
• Because of reduced revenues under the 1996 rates, the<br />
utility is in violation of one of the terms of its loan from<br />
the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service. KIUC is required to<br />
have enough revenue to cover its interest costs 1.25<br />
times. This is called Times Interest Earned Ratio<br />
(TIER). KIUC needs a revenue boost to be in<br />
compliance with its TIER commitment.<br />
In preparation for determining a new rate structure , the<br />
utility has prepared four reports during the past several<br />
months: a depreciation study to calculate the value of<br />
equipment and what it will cost to repair or replace it; an<br />
equity management plan to determine major financial<br />
demands, such as paying down loans and investing in<br />
new renewable energy systems; a cost-of-service study to<br />
identify the direct costs to deliver power to different<br />
classes of consumers; and a revenue requirements study<br />
to look at issues such as lifeline rates, and efficiency and<br />
conservation incentives.<br />
There are three basic components to KIUC’s electric bill.<br />
Here is how they would change from current rates to<br />
proposed rates: basic customer charge, from $9.72 to<br />
$10.74; non-fuel charge, from $.12169 to $.16964 per<br />
kWh; and a fuel and power purchase charge (the ERAC),<br />
from $.16916 to $.15174 per kWh.<br />
For the average user of 500 kWh, the corresponding bill<br />
charges increase from $9.72, $60.85 and $84.58 ($155.15<br />
total) to $10.74, $84.82 and $75.87 ($171.43 total).<br />
For more information about KIUC’s finances and its rate<br />
proposal, visit www.kiuc.coop.<br />
For answers to questions about the rates, call Anne Barnes at<br />
246.4383. For information on how to control monthly bills,<br />
including the use of solar incentive programs, home energy<br />
audits and more, call Ray Mierta at 246.8284.<br />
KIUC CFO David Bissell, below left, and CEO Randy Hee, below right, discuss the reasons for the planned rate increase during a June 3<br />
public meeting.<br />
JUNE/JULY 2009 13
Every year, KIUC is required by law to provide our ratepayers annual fuel mix and average electric cost information.<br />
HRS [§269-16.4] annual fuel mix disclosure.<br />
(a) Beginning June 1, 2004, and every June 1 thereafter, each retail supplier of electricity shall disclose fuel mix information by generation category<br />
to its existing and new retail electricity customers for the prior calendar year.<br />
(b) Beginning June 1, 2004, and every June 1 thereafter, each retail supplier of electricity shall state the average retail price of electricity (per<br />
kilowatt-hour) for each rate class of service for the prior calendar year. The average retail price of electricity for each rate class of service shall be<br />
determined by dividing the total electric revenues for each rate class of service by the total kilowatt-hours sold to each respective rate class.<br />
(c) The disclosure required by this section shall be:<br />
(1) Printed either on the customer’s bill or as a bill insert; provided that this disclosure requirement shall not result in increased costs to<br />
ratepayers; and<br />
(2) Posted and updated on the supplier’s Internet website, if any.<br />
(d) As used in this section, the term “fuel mix” means the electricity sold to retail electricity customers expressed in terms of percentage contribution<br />
by generation category. The total fuel mix included in each disclosure shall total 100 percent. [L 2003, c 147, §2]<br />
<strong>Rate</strong> Class of Service Schedule 2003<br />
REVENUE<br />
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008<br />
Residential D $34,701,836 $41,852,500 $46,270,326 $52,568,487 $58,823,116 $67,521,772<br />
General Lighting Service G $14,861,903 $17,311,614 $19,143,057 $21,628,661 $23,967,162 $27,098,626<br />
General Lighting Service J $12,530,621 $15,002,979 $17,059,100 $19,001,879 $20,935,075 $23,757,990<br />
Large Power P $11,619,879 $27,067,200 $30,649,677 $34,296,005 $39,318,452 $48,260,251<br />
Large Power L $22,510,672 $13,942,418 $15,750,361 $17,003,777 $18,208,673 $20,939,501<br />
Streetlight SL $853,696 $974,405 $1,061,818 $1,195,058 $1,286,933 $1,457,504<br />
Irrigation $364,406 $399,640 $437,569 $190,176 $344,452 $415,411<br />
Total Revenue $97,443,013 $116,550,756 $130,371,908 $145,884,043 $162,883,863 $189,451,055<br />
14 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
KWH SALES<br />
<strong>Rate</strong> Class of Service Schedule 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008<br />
Residential D 148,600,492 156,398,615 156,001,990 160,271,857 165,177,370 160,479,367<br />
General Lighting Service G 59,886,319 60,871,667 61,180,237 62,620,645 64,311,197 61,762,667<br />
General Lighting Service J 56,054,844 58,096,402 59,268,519 59,631,978 60,600,629 57,561,387<br />
Large Power P 104,546,321 108,152,641 109,014,761 109,605,596 116,805,413 118,083,102<br />
Large Power L 56,826,074 58,315,936 58,338,282 56,459,174 55,893,565 52,082,601<br />
Streetlight SL 2,328,446 2,420,871 2,493,688 2,601,027 2,643,480 2,637,376<br />
Irrigation 3,072,500 2,666,518 2,313,146 889,434 1,464,135 1,184,017<br />
Total KWH Sold 431,314,996 446,922,650 448,610,623 452,079,711 466,895,789 453,790,517<br />
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE*<br />
<strong>Rate</strong> Class of Service Schedule 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007<br />
Residential D $0.234 $0.268 $0.297 $0.328 $0.356 $0.421<br />
General Lighting Service G $0.248 $0.284 $0.313 $0.345 $0.373 $0.439<br />
General Lighting Service J $0.224 $0.258 $0.288 $0.319 $0.345 $0.413<br />
Large Power P $0.111 $0.250 $0.281 $0.313 $0.337 $0.409<br />
Large Power L $0.396 $0.239 $0.270 $0.301 $0.326 $0.402<br />
Streetlight SL $0.367 $0.403 $0.426 $0.459 $0.487 $0.553<br />
Irrigation $0.119 $0.150 $0.189 $0.214 $0.235 $0.351<br />
*All-in cost including customer charge, applicable demand charges and surcharges.<br />
Fuel Mix Generation* 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008<br />
Biomass 1,431,000 1,884,000 2,175,000 1,971,638 1,400,362 1,095,193<br />
Fossil Fuel 427,451,988 430,840,756 430,274,405 436,740,493 461,001,302 437,828,184<br />
Hydro 23,613,993 35,493,318 36,895,645 36,888,298 26,300,465 36,253,752<br />
Photovoltaic 66,000 90,315 202,500 373,000 522,769 1,124,406<br />
Total<br />
* Gross Generation kWh<br />
452,562,981 468,308,389 469,547,550 475,973,429 489,224,897 476,301,535<br />
Fuel Mix Percentage 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008<br />
Biomass 0.3% 0.4% 0.5% 0.4% 0.3% 0.2%<br />
Fossil Fuel 94.5% 92.0% 91.6% 91.8% 94.2% 91.9%<br />
Hydro 5.2% 7.6% 7.9% 7.8% 5.4% 7.6%<br />
Photovoltaic 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2%<br />
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100%
What’s This All About?<br />
“Our Energy, Our Future” is a campaign to build a dialogue between America’s electricity<br />
consumers and elected officials. It’s about our nation’s pressing capacity crisis, the<br />
technology hurdles we face in developing new, less carbon-intensive power generation, and<br />
the need to keep electricity affordable while achieving climate change goals.<br />
We need to begin a conversation now to prompt bipartisan political action, set achievable<br />
goals, and prepare for what all of this will mean to our monthly electric bills. As co-op<br />
members, we are consumers and owners of our local electric utility. It’s our responsibility to<br />
make our voices heard before decisions are made that affect our energy and our future.<br />
? ? ?<br />
www.ourenergy.coop<br />
LED Technology<br />
Lighting Our Future<br />
KIUC is hosting an informative workshop on energy-efficient<br />
light emitting diode (LED) technology.<br />
Mainland presenters will be discussing and demonstrating a variety<br />
of LED lighting for both home and commercial applications.<br />
Workshop Location:<br />
KIUC Main Conference Room<br />
Friday July 31, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.<br />
(Limited Seating)<br />
Call Paul Daniels for information or to RSVP at 246.8275<br />
JUNE/JULY 2009 15
2009 SPOTLIGHT ON<br />
EXCELLENCE AWARDS<br />
Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong> <strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC) recently took top honors in the<br />
2009 “Spotlight on Excellence” national awards program, sponsored by<br />
the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural<br />
2007<br />
Electric <strong>Cooperative</strong> Association. KIUC received both a first-place Award<br />
of Excellence in the Best Annual Report Category for “2007 Annual<br />
Report, Thinking Beyond the Barrel” and an Award of Merit in the Best<br />
External Newspaper or Magazine Category for “KIUC Currents.”<br />
The Spotlight on Excellence awards competition is an annual event recognizing<br />
the top-rated communication and marketing efforts by electric cooperatives and<br />
related organizations.<br />
THINKING BEYOND THE BARREL<br />
“The judges’ descriptions of this year’s entries ranged from ‘extraordinary’ to<br />
‘impressive,’” said Maggie Tilley, administrator of Spotlight on Excellence. “The<br />
consistent comment was that consumers are being well-served by<br />
communications that seek to inform and to add value for co-op members.”<br />
Electric cooperative communicators and marketing professionals submitted more<br />
than 700 entries to the Spotlight on Excellence program, now in its 21st year.<br />
IMAGINE “On behalf of the Board of Directors of KIUC, I extend Congratulations to our<br />
THE POSSIBILITIES<br />
Communications Department on receiving the Award of Excellence for the 2007<br />
Annual Report and an Award of Merit for KIUC Currents Magazine,” said<br />
Chairman Phil Tacbian. Our thanks to Anne Barnes, Shelley Paik and Maile<br />
KAUA’I ISLAND UTILITY COOPERATIVE 2007 ANNUAL REPORT<br />
Moriguchi for a job well done. Keep up the good work and continue to put your<br />
best efforts in all you do. We are proud of you.”<br />
Child and Family Service/Kaua‘i Head Start provides<br />
preschool and comprehensive family services to<br />
Kaua’i’s income-eligible families in numerous locations<br />
throughout the island. The Head Start curriculum<br />
includes educational, social-emotional, health, and<br />
nutritional programs, as well as age-appropriate<br />
excursions for preschool children. Additionally,<br />
comprehensive services are provided for children with<br />
disabilities. Each Head Start center is licensed and<br />
16 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
Ly-<br />
emPOWERING<br />
August 2008<br />
October 2008<br />
our commUNITY<br />
December 2008<br />
staffed with a qualified head teacher and a classroom<br />
aide, and offers a variety of opportunities for families to<br />
participate as volunteers. Kaua‘i Head Start program<br />
options include both half day and full day centers.<br />
These centers are located in Kekaha, ‘Ele‘ele, Kōloa,<br />
Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a, and the Pre-Plus preschool in Kilauea.<br />
The Kaua‘i Head Start staff also provides transitioning<br />
services as the children get ready to move on to<br />
kindergarten. All interested families are encouraged to<br />
call 245.5914 for further information, or to request an<br />
application.
2009 SPOTLIGHT ON<br />
EXCELLENCE AWARDS<br />
Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong> <strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC) recently took top honors in the<br />
2009 “Spotlight on Excellence” national awards program, sponsored by<br />
the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural<br />
2007<br />
Electric <strong>Cooperative</strong> Association. KIUC received both a first-place Award<br />
of Excellence in the Best Annual Report Category for “2007 Annual<br />
Report, Thinking Beyond the Barrel” and an Award of Merit in the Best<br />
External Newspaper or Magazine Category for “KIUC Currents.”<br />
The Spotlight on Excellence awards competition is an annual event recognizing<br />
the top-rated communication and marketing efforts by electric cooperatives and<br />
related organizations.<br />
THINKING BEYOND THE BARREL<br />
“The judges’ descriptions of this year’s entries ranged from ‘extraordinary’ to<br />
‘impressive,’” said Maggie Tilley, administrator of Spotlight on Excellence. “The<br />
consistent comment was that consumers are being well-served by<br />
communications that seek to inform and to add value for co-op members.”<br />
Electric cooperative communicators and marketing professionals submitted more<br />
than 700 entries to the Spotlight on Excellence program, now in its 21st year.<br />
IMAGINE “On behalf of the Board of Directors of KIUC, I extend Congratulations to our<br />
THE POSSIBILITIES<br />
Communications Department on receiving the Award of Excellence for the 2007<br />
Annual Report and an Award of Merit for KIUC Currents Magazine,” said<br />
Chairman Phil Tacbian. Our thanks to Anne Barnes, Shelley Paik and Maile<br />
KAUA’I ISLAND UTILITY COOPERATIVE 2007 ANNUAL REPORT<br />
Moriguchi for a job well done. Keep up the good work and continue to put your<br />
best efforts in all you do. We are proud of you.”<br />
Child and Family Service/Kaua‘i Head Start provides<br />
preschool and comprehensive family services to<br />
Kaua’i’s income-eligible families in numerous locations<br />
throughout the island. The Head Start curriculum<br />
includes educational, social-emotional, health, and<br />
nutritional programs, as well as age-appropriate<br />
excursions for preschool children. Additionally,<br />
comprehensive services are provided for children with<br />
disabilities. Each Head Start center is licensed and<br />
16 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
Ly-<br />
emPOWERING<br />
August 2008<br />
October 2008<br />
our commUNITY<br />
December 2008<br />
staffed with a qualified head teacher and a classroom<br />
aide, and offers a variety of opportunities for families to<br />
participate as volunteers. Kaua‘i Head Start program<br />
options include both half day and full day centers.<br />
These centers are located in Kekaha, ‘Ele‘ele, Kōloa,<br />
Lihu‘e, Kapa‘a, and the Pre-Plus preschool in Kilauea.<br />
The Kaua‘i Head Start staff also provides transitioning<br />
services as the children get ready to move on to<br />
kindergarten. All interested families are encouraged to<br />
call 245.5914 for further information, or to request an<br />
application.
Some of the<br />
National Deals<br />
offered on www.connections.coop<br />
5th Gospel Christian Bookstore<br />
Aloha Services<br />
Backdoor Hanalei<br />
Beachrail<br />
Buddha Boutique<br />
Edward Jones<br />
Hanalei Paddler<br />
Hanalei Surf Company<br />
JJ’s Broiler<br />
Jim Saylor Jewelers<br />
Lawai Cannery Self Storage &<br />
Warehouses<br />
Kaua‘i Inn<br />
Kaua‘i Self-Storage<br />
Local Deals<br />
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens<br />
Kayak Kaua‘i<br />
Kujo’s Mini Mart<br />
Market Street Diner<br />
New Leaf Skin Care<br />
North Shore General Store<br />
Ohana Hearing Care Inc.<br />
Precision Tinting Kaua‘i<br />
Princeville Mail Center (Aloha<br />
Services)<br />
Progressive Expressions<br />
Sweet N Sassy<br />
Tropics Day Spa<br />
Wings Over Kaua‘i<br />
You Have the<br />
Power to Save<br />
Get connected with Co-op Connections<br />
As your electric cooperative, it’s<br />
important for Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong><br />
<strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC) to provide its<br />
member-owners with safe, reliable<br />
power. Yet our service goes beyond<br />
the wires. It’s also important that<br />
we offer additional value that has a<br />
positive impact on everyone in the<br />
community.<br />
That’s why KIUC, in conjunction<br />
with the other Touchstone Energy<br />
co-ops serving 22 million<br />
member-owners<br />
nationwide, has<br />
launched the Co-op<br />
Connections<br />
program. The cardbased<br />
member<br />
benefit program is<br />
designed to deliver<br />
added value to our<br />
members, both<br />
residential and business, by<br />
offering valuable discounts at<br />
participating local and national<br />
businesses.<br />
The card also offers valuable<br />
pharmacy discounts of 10 percent<br />
to 60 percent off prescriptions.<br />
The pharmacy discount feature has<br />
made a huge impact nationwide,<br />
with a total of $6.7 million saved<br />
by co-op members since May 2007.<br />
It is important to note that the<br />
pharmacy discount is not for<br />
Members<br />
can pick up<br />
their card and key<br />
fobs at KIUC’s<br />
Līhu‘e business<br />
office.<br />
insurance and is not intended to<br />
substitute insurance. It does,<br />
however, give co-op members an<br />
opportunity to save.<br />
Whenever a Co-op Connections<br />
cardholder—whether from KIUC<br />
or from one of the hundreds of<br />
Touchstone Energy co-ops across<br />
the country—shows the Co-op<br />
Connections card at a<br />
participating business, they receive<br />
a discount. Equally, those<br />
businesses benefit from<br />
increased customer<br />
visits by co-op<br />
members<br />
participating in the<br />
program. And it’s<br />
easy to spot which<br />
local businesses are<br />
participating. Look for<br />
the Co-op Connections<br />
stickers in the windows, or<br />
simply log on to<br />
www.connections.coop and check<br />
out the list of participants.<br />
While our number one priority is<br />
keeping the lights on, KIUC is<br />
committed to bringing additional<br />
value to our members and the<br />
communities we serve. The Co-op<br />
Connections program is just<br />
another way to accomplish that<br />
goal. That’s the cooperative<br />
difference.
We’re always thinking of<br />
WAYS TO HELP<br />
Our Members<br />
save electricity.<br />
And then we thought, why stop there?<br />
To help our members save money on goods and<br />
services of all kinds, we started the Co-op Connections<br />
program. To help area businesses prosper and grow, we promote them free<br />
when they honor the Co-op Connections Card.<br />
Members take out the Co-op Connections Card anywhere they see a Co-op<br />
Connections sticker. They save. The business gains a new customer. Everyone wins.<br />
We believe in looking out for you. To learn more, visit www.kiuc.coop.<br />
Looking out for you.
Hot Months,<br />
Cool Snacks<br />
Sliders<br />
1 pound hamburger<br />
1 package onion soup mix<br />
2 slices bread (softened in water)<br />
1 egg<br />
1/4 cup water<br />
1/4 cup ketchup<br />
1 package dinner rolls, split and grilled<br />
1 roma tomato, sliced<br />
1 small onion, sliced<br />
Lettuce leaves<br />
Mix hamburger, onion soup mix, bread, egg, water and<br />
ketchup; shape into patties. Grill or fry for about 5<br />
minutes on each side, until the inside is cooked through.<br />
Serve on a split dinner roll with tomato, onion, lettuce or<br />
any of your favorite condiments.<br />
20 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
Clam Dip<br />
1 block cream cheese<br />
2 tablespoons mayonnaise<br />
1/4 teaspoon white pepper<br />
1/2 to 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce<br />
Lemon juice to taste<br />
1 can clams (save juice)<br />
1 tablespoon minced onions<br />
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt<br />
Soften cream cheese. Mix mayonnaise, minced onions,<br />
pepper, clams, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce and lemon<br />
juice. Add clam juice to mixture depending on your<br />
desired consistency. Refrigerate before serving.
Guri-guri<br />
2 12-ounce cans strawberry guava juice<br />
1 12-ounce can 7 UP<br />
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk<br />
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir<br />
vigorously. Freeze for an hour or two. Remove from<br />
freezer and stir vigorously again (repeat at least twice).<br />
Transfer to individual serving containers and freeze until<br />
firm, a minimum of 8 hours, but preferably one day or<br />
longer.<br />
Kim Chee Party Dip<br />
1/2 cup kim chee, chopped finely<br />
2 tablespoons kim chee juice<br />
1 package cream cheese, softened<br />
Place all ingredients into a blender. Cover. Blend for one<br />
minute. Serve with crackers or chips.<br />
Tuna Sandwich<br />
1 can tuna<br />
2 tablespoons mayonnaise<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
6 slices bread<br />
1 tablespoon relish (optional)<br />
1 tablespoon onion, chopped (optional)<br />
1 tablespoon celery, chopped (optional)<br />
Open can; drain liquid. Mix tuna, mayonnaise and any<br />
optional ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread<br />
mixture on bread.<br />
Egg Salad Sandwich<br />
3 eggs, hard boiled<br />
3 tablespoons mayonnaise<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
6 slices bread<br />
1 tablespoon relish (optional)<br />
Boil eggs and peel. Mash the egg and combine with<br />
mayonnaise and any optional ingredients. Add salt and<br />
pepper to taste. Spread mixture on bread.<br />
JUNE/JULY 2009 21
CHANGES TO KIUC’S<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
MEETING<br />
Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong> <strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC) has<br />
changed the date and venue of the Membership<br />
Meeting to Sunday, August 16, 2009, from 4<br />
p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kaua‘i War Memorial<br />
Convention Hall.<br />
Doors will open at 4 p.m. All members will<br />
receive an annual report, Co-op Connections card<br />
and reusable shopping bag. All attendees will be<br />
served chili and rice bowls. As in previous<br />
Membership Meetings, the first 200 members will<br />
receive a bag of rice.<br />
22 KIUC CURRENTS<br />
We hope you will join us!<br />
Sunday, August 16, 2009<br />
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.<br />
Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall<br />
KIUC NAMED IN SEPA<br />
“2008 TOP TEN UTILITY<br />
SOLAR INTEGRATION<br />
RANKINGS”<br />
Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong> <strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC) is among the<br />
top 10 utilities in the country when it comes to the<br />
amount of solar electric capacity per customer, according<br />
to the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA).<br />
KIUC was listed in SEPA’s “2008 Top Ten <strong>Utility</strong> Solar<br />
Integration Rankings,” which was based on the 2008<br />
<strong>Utility</strong> Solar Electricity Survey completed by utilities in<br />
April 2009. The report catalogs how much solar<br />
electricity was interconnected by surveyed utilities in<br />
calendar year 2008 and what was installed cumulatively<br />
through the end of 2008, including both photovoltaics<br />
and concentrating solar power.<br />
KIUC ranked in the top 10 in 14 different categories:<br />
#1 – Annual (2008) customer-side of the meter – solar<br />
Watts per customer (47.1)<br />
#1 – Cumulative (through 2008) customer-side of the<br />
meter – solar Watts per customer (70.6)<br />
#1 – Annual (2008) total solar Watts per customer –<br />
West (47.1)<br />
#1 – Cumulative (through 2008) total solar Watts per<br />
customer – West (70.6)<br />
#1 – Annual (2008) customer-side of the meter solar<br />
Watts per customer – public power utilities (47.1)<br />
#1 – Cumulative (through 2008) customer-side of the<br />
meter solar Watts per customer – public power<br />
utilities (70.6)<br />
#2 – Annual (2008) total solar Watts per customer (47.1)<br />
#2 – Annual (2008) total solar Watts per customer –<br />
public power utilties (47.1)<br />
#3 – Cumulative (through 2008) annual (2008) total<br />
solar Watts per customer – public power utilities<br />
(70.6)<br />
#4 – Cumulative (2008) total Watts per customer (70.6)<br />
#5 – Annual (2008) PPUs total solar Megawatts – public<br />
power utilities (1.5)<br />
#5 – Annual (2008) customer-side of the meter solar<br />
Megawatts – public power utilities (1.5)<br />
#5 – Cumulative (through 2008) customer-side of the<br />
meter solar Megawatts – public power utilities (2.2)<br />
#6 – Cumulative (through 2008) PPUs total solar<br />
Megawatts – public power utilities (2.2)<br />
To view the full report, go to www.solarelectricpower.org.
STATEMENT OF<br />
OPERATIONS<br />
For the period 01/01/2009 – 4/30/2009<br />
By Karissa Jonas, Controller<br />
KIUC operations through April 30, 2009, are being<br />
impacted negatively by the weak economy and low fuel<br />
costs. Electricity usage on the island has significantly<br />
decreased, primarily due to the reduction in visitors to the<br />
island. KIUC is doing everything it can, while maintaining<br />
safety and reliability, to reduce costs in various areas to<br />
continue to meet the co-op’s loan covenants. Revenues,<br />
expenses, and net margins totaled $36.7 million, $36.8<br />
million and $0.1 million, respectively, for the four-month<br />
period ending April 30, 2009.<br />
As is the case for all electric utilities, the cost of power<br />
generation is the largest expense, totaling $18.5 million<br />
or 50.3 percent of revenues. Fuel costs are the largest<br />
component of power generation, totaling $13.8 million or<br />
37.5 percent of revenues, and representing 74.6 percent<br />
of the cost of power generation. As a point of reference,<br />
fuel costs have decreased by 55 percent or $16.7 million,<br />
from $30.5 million a year ago. This has resulted in the<br />
substantial decrease in the member’s monthly electric<br />
bills. The remaining $4.7 million or 12.8 percent of<br />
revenues and 25.4 percent of the cost of power<br />
generation represents the cost of operating and<br />
maintaining the generating units.<br />
The cost of operating and maintaining the electric lines<br />
totaled $1.6 million or 4.3 percent of total revenues. The<br />
cost of servicing our members totaled $1.3 million or 3.4<br />
percent of revenues. Administrative and general costs—<br />
which include marketing and communications, legislative<br />
and regulatory expenses, engineering, executive, financial<br />
Depreciation &<br />
Amortization<br />
15.3%<br />
Administrative &<br />
General Net<br />
of Non-Operating<br />
Margins<br />
9.8%<br />
2 Days<br />
110 miles<br />
August 8-9, 2009<br />
Taxes<br />
8.5%<br />
Percentage of Total Revenue<br />
Member Services<br />
3.4%<br />
Interest<br />
8.7%<br />
and corporate services, and board of directors expenses—<br />
totaled $3.9 million or 10.5 percent of revenues.<br />
Being very capital intensive, depreciation and<br />
amortization of the utility plant costs $5.6 million or 15.3<br />
percent of revenues. Although not subject to federal<br />
income taxes, state and local taxes amounted to $3.1<br />
million or 8.5 percent of revenues. Interest on long-term<br />
debt, at a very favorable sub-5 percent interest rate, totals<br />
$3.2 million or 8.7 percent of revenues. Non-operating<br />
net margins added $0.3 million to overall net margins.<br />
Revenues less total expenses equal margins of ($0.1<br />
million) or (0.3 percent) of revenues. Margins are<br />
allocated to consumer members and paid when<br />
appropriate.<br />
PARTING SHOT<br />
Net Margins<br />
-0.3%<br />
Transmission & Distribution<br />
Operation & Maintenance<br />
4.3%<br />
www.ParadiseRideKaua‘i.com<br />
Fuel & Purchased<br />
Power Costs<br />
37.5%<br />
Production Operation &<br />
Maintenance<br />
12.8%<br />
The annual fundraising event for Malama Pono Kaua‘i AIDS Project<br />
www.malama-pono.org<br />
We’re always looking for interesting items to feature in Parting Shot. If<br />
you have an item to share with readers, please e-mail<br />
currents@kiuc.coop or send it to: KIUC Currents, 4463 Pahe‘e Street,<br />
Suite 1, Līhu‘e, HI 96766-2000.
HI-130<br />
Powerlines<br />
Aloha mai kākou,<br />
We were surprised by Dennis Esaki’s recent announcement of his resignation<br />
from the Kaua‘i <strong>Island</strong> <strong>Utility</strong> <strong>Cooperative</strong> (KIUC) Board of Directors. We would<br />
like to thank him for all he has done for KIUC. Dennis has served KIUC and its<br />
members well. He was one of KIUC’s founding directors, has served on the board<br />
as an elected director and answered the call as a board appointee. Dennis also led<br />
our cooperative as its chairman. We appreciate his willingness to serve our<br />
cooperative and the community, and for all he has done for KIUC; we wish him<br />
the best of luck.<br />
Our board, staff and consultants have been busy developing a rate application that<br />
will be set before the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission for consideration.<br />
Recent global economic difficulties have affected our island as well, and have left<br />
us in a situation that requires us to increase our rates. As discussed in our public<br />
informational meetings, and in this month’s magazine, KIUC will be seeking a 10.5-percent increase in revenues<br />
based on the 2010 budgeted year. We held three informational meetings in the past few months and want to thank<br />
all of our members who took the time to come out and listen to us, ask questions and share their thoughts.<br />
One question that was asked at each of the meetings was: “You encourage us to install efficient compact fluorescent<br />
bulbs and efficient appliances and to conserve energy. Aren’t you now asking us to pay more for using less energy?”<br />
Yes, we are asking you to pay a little more for using less. But the benefits to you for using efficient lighting and<br />
appliances and for simply not using electricity far outweigh the increase we are asking you to bear. A simple<br />
example is that using compact fluorescent bulb saves you more than 50 percent in energy for the same amount of<br />
light it produces. Using energy wisely is always the right thing to do, and KIUC will continue to encourage energy<br />
efficiency. As we proceed through this rate case, we encourage any member who has a question to give me a call at<br />
246.4389.<br />
We are again in our hurricane season and should never forget how devastating they can be. This month’s issue<br />
includes some tips that can help you prepare at home. Your safety is our primary concern, and a little preparation<br />
can go a long way. Check your workplace and your children’s schools to ensure you know what their disaster<br />
preparations call for. Remember, hurricanes aren’t the only things we should be prepared for.<br />
I would like to congratulate our Marketing and Communications team for being honored with two 2009 Spotlight<br />
on Excellence national awards: an Award of Excellence for Best Annual Report and an Award of Merit for Best<br />
External Newspaper/Magazine. These awards truly reflect the dedication and effort they give to our cooperative.<br />
Mahalo!<br />
Randall J. Hee<br />
President and CEO