All posts by Genevive Bjorn

Environment, Finance, Lifestyle

Comparing Electricity Rates with Solar Power

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Photovoltaics (PV), also known as solar panels, become increasingly competitive with electric utilities as electricity rates continue to rise. PV becomes cheaper over time while retail electricity (like the kind from your local utility company) becomes more expensive. By 2015, even the cheapest electricity rates in the US will likely be comparable to the cost of renewable solar power.

In the tables below, the orange boxes show the range of costs for solar power, and the colored bars show the current utility rates in various cities across the country.

Here in Hawaii, solar power is already far cheaper than electricity from the local utility. My house runs entirely on solar power, and I estimate a pay back for the initial investment in the PV system of $11,000 to happen within three years of installation. So for the rest of life of the solar power system, which could be another 10 or 15 years, my power is free. In other words, I’ll keep over $2,000 per year in my pocket to invest elsewhere.

Environment, Lifestyle, Politics

Real Costs of Living in Hawaii: Energy

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If you’re considering a move to Hawaii, brace yourself. Hawaii has the highest energy prices in the United States. Given its remote location, heavy reliance on imported oil and creaky infrastructure, this is no big surprise. But the actual rates for residential electricity or a gallon of gas are shockingly high and continue to skyrocket.

But if you live on the Mainland and feel the squeeze of expensive energy in your neighborhood, you might take a little comfort in these eye-popping numbers from Hawaii.

On the island of Hawai’i (the Big Island):

1 gallon of gas (87, the cheap stuff) = $4.06

1 kilowatt hour of electricity = 39 cents

On the island of Kaua’i:

1 gallon of gas (87, the cheap stuff) = $4.22

1 kilowatt hour of electricity = 39.8 cents

On the island of Maui:

1 gallon of gas (87, the cheap stuff) = $4.41

1 kilowatt hour of electricity =36.4 cents

On the island of O’ahu:

1 gallon of gas (87, the cheap stuff) =$4.05

1 kilowatt hour of electricity = 35 cents

By comparison, the average Mainland price for a gallon of gas is $3.60. Residential electricity ranges from a low of 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour in Phoenix to 20.2 cents per kilowatt hour in Boston.

Gas prices are current as of 10/8/08 and come from data on Hawaiigasprices.com . Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) rates are scheduled to rise by 5.2% in 2009 .

hawaii, Politics, Random

Last Day to Register to Vote in Hawaii for 2008 Election

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The last day to register to vote in Hawaii is next Monday, October 6th.

Are you registered? Are your friends and family? Each and every vote in Hawaii is absolutely crucial on Election Day. But in just a few days, the time for bringing new voices into the political process will be over.

You need to be certain that you, your friends, and your family are registered by the deadline — it’s a small step that will have a huge impact on our nation’s future.

This election is too important to leave anything to chance. Make sure your voice is heard — and forward this page to all the Hawaiians you know.