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CONTACT: Kristen Okinaka (808.969.0258) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
kristen.okinaka@hawaiielectriclight.com
HILO, May 31, 2018 i Electric Light continues with its efforts to maintain electric service
for communities being impacted by the eruption and lava flows that began in Leilani Estates four
weeks ago.
About 800 customers in Leilani Estates, Lanipuna Gardens, and Kapoho are experiencing
extended power outages due to the destruction of poles, lines and equipment. Power will not be
restored in areas with active eruption activity or extensive damage. Once the situation stabilizes
and Civil Defense officials deem the impacted areas are safe to enter, utility personnel will
conduct a full assessment and select the most suitable plan to restore electric service.
The company has implemented some of its contingency plans to prevent or minimize extended
power outages in communities impacted by lava flows. On Monday, switching operations were
performed to reroute power to customers in lower Puna as the lava flow approached and
eventually crossed Highway 132. Today, as a preventative measure, crews connected two
transmission lines near the Ainaloa subdivision to make the electric grid more resilient ifa
problem were to occur with other transmission lines on the grid. Engineers continue to develop
contingency plans which include line extensions, steel poles, and microgrids.
Electric Light still has sufficient generation to mee
hydropower, solar, and fossil fueled generation.
https://www.hawaiielectriclight.com/lava provides the latest
information for customers affected by the eruption and for those who may have questions about
billing and service during the emergency. Customers also may call (808) 969-6999 for questions
regarding their electric account. Information also is available on
(@HIElectricLight) and Facebook (HawaiianElectric) accounts.
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