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Posted: Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 7:23 AM HST

Smart grid rollout stalls in Hawaii

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — A proposal for a broad rollout of smart grid electric technology in Hawaii is stalling. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission on Monday killed a proposal by Hawaiian Electric Co., the state's primary utility, to continue its test rollout of the technology on Oahu at ratepayer expense. The utility had envisioned building a $115 million smart grid project reaching 451,000 homes and companies on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. The "smart grid" concept relies on installing new electric meters that can wirelessly communicate with the utility, allowing it to better distribute power and handle additional renewable energy. Opponents say Hawaii shouldn't rush to make customers pay for new electric meters. (Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved)