Hawaiian Electric announced this week that it will host six community workshops across Oahu in order to seek input on which areas may benefit from microgrids.
The company is also seeking input on areas that may be suitable for potential grid-scale renewable generation for future energy projects and infrastructure.
Hawaiian Electric is working with the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, the U.S. Department of Energy and national labs in order to identify opportunities to develop microgrids.
Microgrids are connected to the grid but can operate independently during an outage to continue providing electricity through solar panels, batteries and backup generators.
The events will begin with an in-person open house from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a hybrid community workshop, which will be both in-person and virtual, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The community events will take place in various districts across the island:
- Koolauloa Moku (Waimea – Kaaawa): Monday, Oct. 24, at Kahuku Elementary School
- Waianae Moku (Nanakuli – Keawaula): Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Agnes Kalanihookaha Community Learning Center
- Kona Moku (Moanalua – East Honolulu): Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Kapiolani Community College
- Waialua Moku (Kaena – Kapaeloa): Thursday, Nov. 3, at Waialua Elementary School
- Koolaupoko Moku (Waimanalo – Kualoa): Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Windward Community College
- Ewa Moku (Honouliuli – Halawa): Thursday, Nov. 17, at Leeward Community College
To join the workshops virtually, visit hawaiianelectric.com/communitymeetings for a Zoom meeting link. Hawaiian Electric said the meetings will also be livestreamed and recorded.
