Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa announced his ambitious goal of Maui county’s energy plan in his opening remarks at the Maui Energy Conference. The conference just started on Wednesday March 25 and will continue till Friday. In this conference, nationally well-known experts will discuss emerging trends in the electric utility industry and public policy shaping customer choices including customer engagement programs, distributed generation, microgrids, demand response programs, and renewables integration.
The mayor said he wants Maui County to be able to provide energy itself from renewable energy source such as wind or solar photovoltaic. It seems the goal will take some time but will be attainable since Maui Electric Co. is already providing electricity made with 30~35 percent renewable energy. If Maui County reach the goal they could be dependent on renewable recourses regardless of price fluctuations by fossil fuel.Arakawa also said, he hopes Maui County which includes Maui,Molokai and Lanai become the first island in the United States to achieve its energy with 100 percent renewable energy.
