KIUC Celebrates ʻOhana at the 23rd Annual Meeting

Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) held its 23^rd Annual Membership Meeting at the Kauaʻi Philippine Cultural Center on Wednesday, July 30.

KIUC Board Chair Allan Smith and fellow board members greeted the crowd, along with President and Chief Executive Officer, David Bissell, and newly-appointed Chief Financial Officer Erin Tsuda. More than 100 members attended to learn more about the cooperative’s financial performance and progress on its three strategic goals.

Progress on Strategic Goals

Cost of Electricity: Since May 2022, KIUC posted either the lowest, or among the lowest, residential rates in the State of Hawai’i. In 2024, KIUC reported a net margin of $7 million, a 1% increase in sales, and a patronage capital retirement to members of $664,166.

Carbon Footprint: KIUC was one of the leaders in the State of Hawaiʻi with renewable generation at 50.6% in 2024, which includes both utility-scale and rooftop solar, hydro, biomass and biodiesel. KIUC has two additional solar + battery storage projects pending approval from the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission to help reach its goal of being 100% renewable by 2033. The projects, AES Kaawanui Solar + Storage and AES Mānā Solar + Storage, would increase renewable generation to over 80%.

Resilience and Reliability: KIUC’s grant-funded projects include battery storage upgrades at three solar sites and a synchronous condenser generator conversion to provide grid stability. In 2024, KIUC has submitted a comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation Plan to the Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission for approval. New technologies were implemented, including Tempest weather stations to monitor conditions, drone inspections for remote areas, Thor’s PoleTest to inspect pole health, and the Everbridge alert system to notify members of emergency power outages.

Environmental Stewardship and Community Impact

KIUC continues to progress toward a federal and state-approved Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). In 2024, KIUC reported a reduction of bird strikes by an estimated 66% for seabirds in compliance with its draft HCP. KIUC’s HCP and the associated Environmental Impact Statement has been submitted for potential publishing in August.

KIUC also distributed copies of its 2024 Annual Report titled “Powering Our ‘Ohana,” which reviews results of the residential and commercial energy efficiency programs, including more than 1,000 appliance rebates and $351,069 in commercial incentives. KIUC provided $24,000 in grants through the Sharing of Aloha program, and the KIUC Charitable Foundation, a separate non-profit organization, awarded $25,157 in grants. KIUC staff volunteered at 10 community events and presented to 14 schools during 2024.

Per tradition, members in attendance received a complimentary bowl of chili and a bag rice. Almost 650 pounds of rice were donated to the Hawaiʻi Food Bank - Kauaʻi and Kauaʻi Independent Food Bank after the event.

KIUC is the only electric cooperative in the State of Hawaiʻi and one of 900 electric cooperatives in the United States, beginning operations in 2002. With over 35,000 member accounts (30,000 residential; 5,000 commercial), KIUC is governed by nine-member Board of Directors and has 140 employees.

The full presentation can be found here. The 2024 Annual Report “Powering Our ʻOhana” can be read on KIUC’s website.

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