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Posted: Monday, September 10th, 2012 9:02 AM HST

Council members urge do-over on renewable energy agreements

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

Are lower energy costs in the future for Big Island consumers? The County Council Committee on Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability has passed a resolution urging Hawai`i Electric Light Company to renegotiate its power purchase contracts with renewable energy providers, like Puna Geothermal Venture to ensure the cost to consumers is not based on avoided costs linked to fossil fuels. Among those supporting the resolution was Hawai`i Electric Light Company President Jay Ignacio. “We are in agreement with the resolution and we have already made attempts to request independent power producers to come and re-negotiate existing contracts,” Ignacio said. “And we are currently in negotiations with PGV.” The committee approved an amendment by Council Chairman Dominic Yagong to have the council follow up on the progress of Helco’s re-negotiations. The amended resolution now goes to the full council for its consideration. Content for this story was provided by Big Island Video News.