Ige shares new vision for state's energy goals - EagleFordTexas.com (press release)
David Ige shook up Hawaii’s energy establishment when he announced Monday he is opposed to importing liquefied natural gas as a source of electric power. Hawaii needs an electrical utility with a new business model to get the state to its goal of 100 percent electrical generation from renewable energy resources by 2045, Ige said. “We are looking for a partner in the electric utility that really embraces 100 percent renewable and, I think, more importantly, changing the business model from the traditional electric utility to what would work in a fully distributed generation... Ige, a former electrical engineer, envisions a future where the electrical utility doesn’t generate power, but only distributes it. The power will be generated from renewable sources distributed throughout the community, such as the rooftops of... The typical utility model Hawaiian Electric Co. grew up with has to retire along with the utility’s fossil fuel plants, Ige said. That partner needs to share the state’s renewable-energy vision, Ige said. It must embrace the idea that Hawaii is a test bed for renewable-energy research opportunities, help photovoltaic penetration as well as help the state get business and investment partners that will help build research and development. Source: eaglefordtexas.com
