KIUC's Rate Case - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative

HI-130
Powerlines
Aloha mai kākou,
We were surprised by Dennis Esaki’s recent announcement of his resignation
from the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) Board of Directors. We would
like to thank him for all he has done for KIUC. Dennis has served KIUC and its
members well. He was one of KIUC’s founding directors, has served on the board
as an elected director and answered the call as a board appointee. Dennis also led
our cooperative as its chairman. We appreciate his willingness to serve our
cooperative and the community, and for all he has done for KIUC; we wish him
the best of luck.
Our board, staff and consultants have been busy developing a rate application that
will be set before the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission for consideration.
Recent global economic difficulties have affected our island as well, and have left
us in a situation that requires us to increase our rates. As discussed in our public
informational meetings, and in this month’s magazine, KIUC will be seeking a 10.5-percent increase in revenues
based on the 2010 budgeted year. We held three informational meetings in the past few months and want to thank
all of our members who took the time to come out and listen to us, ask questions and share their thoughts.
One question that was asked at each of the meetings was: “You encourage us to install efficient compact fluorescent
bulbs and efficient appliances and to conserve energy. Aren’t you now asking us to pay more for using less energy?”
Yes, we are asking you to pay a little more for using less. But the benefits to you for using efficient lighting and
appliances and for simply not using electricity far outweigh the increase we are asking you to bear. A simple
example is that using compact fluorescent bulb saves you more than 50 percent in energy for the same amount of
light it produces. Using energy wisely is always the right thing to do, and KIUC will continue to encourage energy
efficiency. As we proceed through this rate case, we encourage any member who has a question to give me a call at
246.4389.
We are again in our hurricane season and should never forget how devastating they can be. This month’s issue
includes some tips that can help you prepare at home. Your safety is our primary concern, and a little preparation
can go a long way. Check your workplace and your children’s schools to ensure you know what their disaster
preparations call for. Remember, hurricanes aren’t the only things we should be prepared for.
I would like to congratulate our Marketing and Communications team for being honored with two 2009 Spotlight
on Excellence national awards: an Award of Excellence for Best Annual Report and an Award of Merit for Best
External Newspaper/Magazine. These awards truly reflect the dedication and effort they give to our cooperative.
Mahalo!
Randall J. Hee
President and CEO